Behaviour Support Practitioners: Empowering Positive Change

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, individuals with behavioural presentations face numerous challenges in their daily lives.

Whether it's a neurodivergent child, a teenager with an extensive trauma background, or an adult navigating mental health co-occurrences, life can feel quite daunting. However, no matter what the age range or disability/diagnosis presentation, positive behaviour support practitioners place the person at the centre of the decision-making process to advocate for their rights as people with disabilities and empower positive change collaboratively with a holistic team of supports.

What is a Behaviour Support Practitioner?

A behaviour support practitioner is a dedicated professional who specialises in understanding the whys behind identified behaviours. Using informal and formal forms of behaviour assessment, positive behaviour support looks at understanding the underlying factor that is driving the behavioural presentation. We look at understanding the purpose of the behaviour – what the person is trying to communicate and why they may be unable to functionally do the same. Working across a range of settings, such as home, school, Day Options, supported independent accommodation, nursing homes, etc, behaviour support practitioners work intensively with the person and their team of supports to problem-solve the challenges that may be negatively impacting their quality of life (and sometimes, this may require multiple professionals to be involved in targeting particular areas of development).

The Responsibilities of a Behaviour Support Practitioner

• Assessment and Analysis: As a Behaviour Support Practitioner, one of the crucial steps towards fully understanding the purpose behind one’s behaviour presentation involves thoroughly assessing the setting events, triggers, and current consequences that may be reinforcing the behaviour (even if it is unintentional). This consists of collecting data through observation, interviews, and thorough information gathering – not only from the team of support but also from the person themselves. By analysing the underlying triggers and previous occurrences of the target behaviours, we can explore evidence-based means of functionally replacing those behaviours with prosocial alternatives.
• Developing Behaviour Support Plans: Based on the ongoing assessments, behaviour support practitioners create individualised Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), which are written in line with the legislative requirements set out by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. These plans outline strategies and interventions designed to promote positive behaviours while reducing the occurrence of challenging ones. Additionally, it also includes any identified restrictive practices in place and a plan to fade them out over time, in line with respecting the dignity of the person with a disability.
  
• Teaching Coping Skills: Behaviour Support Practitioners educate individuals on effective coping strategies and alternative behaviours that can replace negative ones. This involves providing tools for emotional regulation, problem-solving techniques, and functional communication.
• Collaboration with Families and Caregivers: The support and involvement of family members and/or relevant stakeholders (such as support services, teaching staff, and/or allied health professionals) are crucial to the success of any behaviour intervention. Behaviour support practitioners work closely with the team to provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to implement the strategies in various settings.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Continuous monitoring and data collection are integral to successes drawn within the behaviour support process. Behaviour support practitioners track progress and make necessary adjustments to the BSPs based on the observed outcomes.
• Advocacy and Education: Behaviour support practitioners advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with behavioural challenges. They also provide educational workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about behavioural issues and the importance of positive support.

The Impact of a Behaviour Support Practitioner

• Improved Quality of Life: Practical behaviour support significantly improves individuals' quality of life. It fosters independence, confidence, and self-management over behaviours and environments.
• Enhanced Relationships: Positive behaviour changes foster healthier relationships with family, friends, peers, and the community. This, in turn, helps in developing a solid social support system.
• Academic and Vocational Success: Behaviour support enhances student academic performance by fostering focused learning and reducing distractions—likewise, improved self-regulation and interpersonal skills support adult career success.
• Reduction in Crisis Situations: As negative behaviours decrease, crises like aggressive outbursts also decrease. This leads to a safer and more stable environment for individuals and those around them.

Behaviour Support Practitioners play a vital role in helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve growth, independence, and positive change. They assist with empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives by using evidence-based strategies, working with families and caregivers, and fostering a supportive environment. Their dedication promotes positive behaviours and improves the world for those facing difficulties in regulating their thoughts, feelings, and actions in a cohesive and collaborative context.