Creating a robust Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan requires the use of various tools and strategies that are tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances. This chapter explores the essential tools and approaches that can help in building an effective PBS plan, ensuring it is both comprehensive and adaptable to the individual’s evolving needs.

Identifying and understanding behaviour

Understanding the motivations behind an individual’s behaviour is crucial for developing a successful PBS plan. By identifying the reasons for certain behaviours, you can create strategies that support positive change and reduce the occurrence of challenging behaviours.

Motivation Assessment Scale

The Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) is a tool used to understand the underlying motivations behind specific behaviours. Ideally, this assessment should involve the service user and their carer whenever possible, as their input can provide valuable insights into their behaviour. By identifying whether behaviours are driven by sensory needs, escape from tasks, or other motivations, you can tailor interventions more effectively.

Trial and error

Sometimes, the most effective way to understand what works best for a service user is through trial and error. Introducing various activities and observing the service user’s reactions can provide key insights into their preferences and triggers. By recording observations on engagement levels and preferences, you can identify which activities promote positive behaviours and which may need to be adjusted or avoided.

ABC chart (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence)

The ABC Chart is a well-established tool for analysing behaviours by systematically recording what happens before (antecedent), during (behaviour), and after (consequence) a behavioural event. This chart helps to identify triggers and patterns in specific behaviours you want to observe, providing a clear picture of the factors influencing the individual’s actions. Through consistent use of the ABC Chart, carers can develop more targeted strategies to manage and support positive behaviour.  You can download our ABC chart template below.

Environmental considerations

The environment plays a significant role in influencing behaviour. So much so, that Chapter 3 is dedicated entirely to environment. By carefully observing and adjusting environmental factors, you can create a setting that supports positive behaviour and reduces the likelihood of incidents.

Observe and record environmental factors

Environmental factors such as lighting, noise levels, and crowding can have a profound impact on behaviour. For instance, harsh lighting or loud noises might trigger anxiety or agitation in some individuals. By observing and recording these factors, you can identify which environmental elements are conducive to positive behaviour and which may need to be modified. Simple changes, like reducing noise levels or adjusting lighting, can make a significant difference in creating a supportive environment.

Local authorities

Engaging with local authorities and other community resources can enhance the effectiveness of a PBS plan. Local authorities often have access to tools and services designed to support individuals in maintaining independence and improving their quality of life.

Reablement providers

Reablement providers are particularly focused on helping individuals remain as independent as possible. These services offer tools and strategies to support people in developing the skills they need to live independently. By collaborating with reablement providers, you can incorporate these tools into the PBS plan, enhancing the individual’s capability and autonomy.

Collaborating with carers

Your day-to-day carers are often the most familiar with the individual’s daily routines, preferences, and challenges. Their involvement is essential in creating a PBS plan that is realistic and effective.

Valuable insights from carers

Carers provide invaluable insights into the service user’s life. They often have a deep understanding of the individual’s likes, dislikes, and triggers, which can be crucial when developing a PBS plan. It’s important to engage carers in the planning process, ensuring their observations and experiences are reflected in the strategies you create.

Supporting carers

Supporting and managing carers is equally important. Carers need guidance on how to interact with the service user in ways consistent with the PBS plan. Providing training and resources can help carers feel more confident and capable in their roles, which in turn supports the overall success of the PBS plan. We'll go into this more in Chapter 5.

Skill development

By now, you should know that PBS plans are so much more than a behaviour management tool. PBS plans are also about helping individuals develop new skills that enhance their independence and quality of life.

Using PBS plans and ABA techniques

PBS plans can be used in conjunction with adapted Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) techniques to introduce and develop new skills. For example, you might begin teaching an individual how to cook by starting with simple tasks, such as washing vegetables, and gradually building up to more complex tasks, like following a recipe. This step-by-step approach allows the individual to build confidence and competence, reinforcing positive behaviours through skill acquisition.

Example of skill stacking:

Professional involvement

The involvement of professionals, such as social workers, clinical teams, and local authorities, can provide additional support and expertise that enhance the effectiveness of a PBS plan.

Engaging with professionals

Professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to the table. Collaborating with social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the service user’s needs. These professionals can offer assessments, recommend interventions, and provide ongoing support to ensure the PBS plan is effective and responsive to the individual’s needs.

Data collection and evaluation

Ongoing data collection and evaluation are critical components of a successful PBS plan. By continuously monitoring the effectiveness of the plan, you can make informed adjustments that improve outcomes.

Using the Motivation Assessment Scale and ABC Chart

Tools like the Motivation Assessment Scale and ABC Chart are not just for initial assessments; they should be used throughout the implementation of the PBS plan. Regularly collecting data on behaviours, triggers, and outcomes allows for ongoing evaluation of the plan’s effectiveness. This data-driven approach ensures that the plan remains responsive to the individual’s needs and can be adjusted as necessary.

Communication tools

Effective communication is essential for the success of a PBS plan, especially when working with individuals who have difficulties with verbal communication.

Talking Mats and Makaton

Talking Mats and Makaton are communication tools that can facilitate interactions with individuals who struggle with verbal communication. Talking Mats use visual symbols to help individuals express their thoughts and preferences, while Makaton combines speech with signs and symbols to support communication. These tools can be particularly effective in helping service users communicate their needs and feelings, reducing frustration and improving the effectiveness of the PBS plan.

Gestures and visual aids

In addition to formal communication tools, using gestures and visual aids can enhance understanding. Physical objects, pictures, and gestures can be used to convey instructions or preferences, making communication clearer and more accessible for the service user.

Activity planning

Carefully planned activities can help reduce anxiety and promote positive behaviours, especially for individuals who thrive on routine and predictability.

Social Stories

Social Stories are particularly effective for individuals with autism. These short narratives describe what to expect in various situations, helping to reduce anxiety by making the unfamiliar familiar. For example, a Social Story might describe what will happen during a visit to the dentist, helping the individual prepare for and cope with the experience. Incorporating Social Stories into the PBS plan can help the service user navigate challenging situations with greater confidence.  

Predictable environments and routines

Ensuring that the service user’s environment and routine are predictable and clear is key to reducing anxiety and promoting positive behaviours. This might involve setting up daily routines, using visual schedules, or creating calm and structured spaces that support the individual’s need for consistency.

Building an effective PBS plan requires a combination of the right tools, strategies, and collaboration. By understanding the individual’s behaviour, tailoring environmental factors, engaging carers, developing skills, and involving professionals, you can create a comprehensive and effective PBS plan. Consistent data collection, clear communication, and careful activity planning ensure that the plan remains responsive and effective, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for the service user.

Care management software

Care management software such as Log my Care is a powerful tool for capturing and storing information around an individual’s PBS plan. Log my Care's PBS plan feature supports the effective management of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans by enabling teams to focus on proactive strategies, personalised care, and continuous adaptation. The system’s traffic light scoring for risk assessments allows for quick identification of escalating behaviours, while its collaborative tools ensure that plans are tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.

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In the next chapter, we’ll look at how exactly you can implement and track your goals using a digital care system.