Kaley Devine, Positive Behaviour Support Lead at SensesWA.
As the lead of SensesWA’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team, Kaley and her practitioners help reduce challenging behaviours through evidence-based practice. She has over a decade of experience helping families navigate the NDIS and providing services.
We spoke with Kaley to find out how Positive Behaviour Support can improve lives. Here’s what she had to say:
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
“PBS is an evidence-based, values-led approach with the primary goal to improve a person’s quality of life by identifying unmet underlying needs. Practitioners support people and their support systems to develop and implement strategies which empower the individual to uphold their basic human rights.
“Our primary focus on a person’s quality of life means often we see a reduction in the use of behaviours which are considered challenging and may be detrimental to the person or others.”
“PBS recognises that quality of life is directly linked to human needs: when our needs are met, we can generally achieve the quality of life that we want. Understanding the reasons WHY a person uses behaviours is the key to finding effective ways to support positive quality of life outcomes,” Kaley said.
How can PBS improve lives?
“PBS recognises that all behaviour is communication! Behaviours which are considered challenging are not challenging for the individual; they are effective ways to communicate that something is missing or not right.
“For example, if a child experiences anxiety in a testing environment – the PBS practitioner may work with the person to develop tools they can use discretely during an exam. Another example is if someone chooses to run away in the community – the PBS practitioner may work with the person and their support system to understand why the person feels the need to run and develop strategies so they can continue to do the things they enjoy safely.
“By understanding a person’s unique needs and building trust, we work with each person and the people (system) who supports the person, to develop resources and supports, which build coping skills and resilience, so they can better respond to situations they perceive as challenging,” Kaley explained.
Who can benefit from PBS?
“Anyone who has challenging behaviours may benefit from PBS. We work with diverse needs, including those with CHARGE Syndrome, congenital deafblindness, Autism, Down Syndrome, and more.
“With tailored supports, improved coping skills and environmental changes, they can better communicate their needs with confidence, leading to healthier relationships and improved quality of life outcomes,” Kaley said.
Kaley leads the Positive Behaviour Support team at SensesWA. For more information about PBS or other services, call us at 1300 111 881 or visit senseswa.org.au.
