Positive Behaviour Support

Neurodiversity-affirming Behaviour Support

Impact Family Services is a neuro-affirming positive behaviour support provider. We use a trauma informed, strength based and therapeutic approach to address behaviours of concern.

What are Behaviours of Concern?

Behaviours of concern are behaviours that are causing a problem for a person or those around them. They may been referred to as ‘challenging behaviours’ in the past. These behaviours may impact a person’s dignity and quality of life.

Some examples include:

Verbal aggression.
Physical aggression towards self or others.
Property damage.

Repeated behaviours serve a function. Identifying the function of a behaviour means understanding why that behaviour is occurring.

What is the role of a Behaviour Support Practitioner?

Some core responsibilities of a behaviour support practitioner include:

Consulting with participants and their supports.

Identifying behaviours of concern and why they happen.

Completing observations and assessments.

Reducing the use of restrictive practices.

Collecting and analysing behavioural data.

Writing behaviour support plans and other relevant reports.

Completing assessments.

Providing behaviour therapy for participants.

Providing training and support to the participants team.

Making recommendations for other required services and support.

Collaborating with a participants team.

Strategies that support you.

Challenging behaviour can make life difficult. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) helps improve a person's quality of life and reduce these behaviours.

Challenging behaviour happens when your environment doesn't fit a person's needs or abilities. Sometimes, the environment needs to change; other times, a person needs to learn new skills.

A person might struggle with strong emotions, sensations, thoughts, or communicating their needs. PBS helps someone understand why they act a certain way and teaches safer ways to get their needs met.

While learning new behaviours, a person needs support from people who can quickly help you and stay calm to prevent unsafe behaviour. They should also know how to keep everyone safe if things escalate.

Neurodiversity-affirming behaviour support respects how people’s brains are different. It understands that neurodivergent individuals, like those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, see and interact with the world in diverse ways.

This approach focuses on accepting and accommodating these differences instead of trying to change them. It encourages self-expression, acceptance, and being part of their community.

The goal is to help individuals develop ways to manage their feelings, communicate, and handle situations that suit them best.

What can you expect?

Step 1 - Assess

Assessments may include:. Observations at school or SILS Functional Behavioural Assessment Communication Assessment Functional Independence Assessment Assessments may be completed at appropriate times during the BSP development and implementation cycle.

Step 2 - Collabrate

Working with stakeholders such as SIL, schools, support workers to discuss behaviours, what is working and what needs support.

Practitioners will:

• Discuss findings and potential strategies with the Participant, their family and support staff (implementing providers)

Seek agreement with the Participant & Implementing providers & finalise draft BSP

Step 3 - Document

BSPs should eliminate, reduce or minimise restrictive practices including: seclusion, chemical, mechanical, physical, environmental restraints.

Plans including regulated restrictive practices must include:

An Interim BSP within 1 month
A Comprehensive BSP within 6 months, including a Functional Behaviour Assessment

Step 4 -Implementation

Supporting implementation of BSP to reduce the frequency & intensity of behaviours of concern.

Minimise use of reported restrictive practices.

Provide training for families, support staff and implementing providers.

We will regularly monitor and review strategies.