Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Our person-centred approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) aims to reduce distressing behaviours and enhance the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.
By creating personalised PBS plans, we support individuals like Gillian, Paul, and Richard in improving their lives. We understand that behaviours of distress often stem from misunderstandings, and our PBS plans help address these by promoting understanding.
What is positive behaviour support?
PBS, developed in the 1980s, offers a more compassionate and person-centred alternative to applied behaviour analysis (ABA). It focuses on understanding the functions of distressing behaviours as a means of communication. At Dimensions, our Behaviour Support Team develops tailored strategies that help individuals live fulfilling lives within their communities while avoiding costly interventions.
Why we choose PBS
We choose PBS because it enhances the quality of life for individuals, prioritising respect, dignity, and choice alongside health and safety. Our approach, grounded in years of experience and best practices, significantly reduces the risk of distressing behaviours by better understanding individuals and their environments.
Our approach
Collaboration is key: we work alongside three expert teams — Behaviour Support, Operational, and Circle of Support (including family and NHS) — to create comprehensive PBS plans. These plans focus on proactive strategies to help individuals manage their behaviours calmly and respectfully.
We also emphasise personalised support, allowing individuals to achieve independence while ensuring their unique needs are met. This approach leads to improved quality of life and potential cost savings for local authorities.
Our thorough PBS assessments identify the reasons behind distressing behaviours through observation and stakeholder interviews. This understanding informs detailed behaviour support plans, which are developed with input from key people in the individual’s life.
Plans outline causes of distress, proactive and reactive strategies, and recovery methods, focusing on increasing overall quality of life. We continuously monitor and review these plans to ensure their effectiveness.
Partners and frameworks
We work closely with local authorities and the NHS under relevant legislation to provide coordinated and effective support, ensuring that the needs of those we serve are always at the forefront of our efforts.
- Mental Health Code of Practice (2015)
- Health and Social Care Act (2012)
- Equality Act (2010)
- Mental Health Act (2007)
- Mental Capacity Act (2019)
- Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
These are just some examples—there are many other codes, guidelines, and acts that guide our service provision.
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