A Parent’s Guide to Positive Behaviour Support

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support is a well established and evidence informed framework that aims to understand why a child behaves in certain ways and what supports they need to thrive. It moves away from focusing only on reducing behaviours of concern and instead looks at the child’s broader needs, environment, communication skills and daily routines. This person centred approach is widely used by therapists, educators and families across Australia.

The foundation of Positive Behaviour Support is the belief that every behaviour serves a purpose. Children use behaviour to communicate their needs, express emotions or cope with sensory and environmental challenges. When adults understand the reason for a behaviour, they can put supports in place that prevent distress and promote growth.

Why Children Display Behaviours of Concern

All children experience times when they feel overwhelmed, anxious or unsure of what to do. Behaviours of concern often appear when a child is trying to communicate something but may not yet have the language or coping skills to express it clearly.

Common reasons include

• unmet needs • difficulty with communication • sensory overload • sudden changes or transitions • unclear expectations • fatigue or hunger • limited coping or emotional regulation skills

Positive Behaviour Support helps adults identify these underlying factors and respond in a supportive and proactive way.

How Positive Behaviour Support Helps Children and Families

Positive Behaviour Support is effective because it focuses on building the skills a child needs for long term success. Instead of reacting to behaviours as they happen, PBS looks at what the child needs to feel safe and regulated throughout the day.

Improved Communication

Many behaviours arise when a child feels unheard. PBS supports children to use communication methods that fit their strengths, including speech, gestures, visuals or assistive communication systems.

Predictable Routines

PBS encourages structure and routines that help children understand what is happening next. Predictability reduces anxiety and gives children a sense of control.

Strength Based Teaching

Instead of telling children what not to do, PBS focuses on teaching alternative behaviours that meet the same need. Children learn skills that help them participate in daily activities more confidently.

Family Focused Approach

Parents are central to the PBS process. Strategies are designed to fit each family’s routines, values and lifestyle, making them practical and sustainable at home.

What PBS Looks Like in Everyday Life

Positive Behaviour Support is not a set of quick fixes. It is a thoughtful and compassionate process that creates meaningful change over time.

PBS often includes

• understanding the purpose of the behaviour • identifying patterns and triggers • adjusting the environment to support the child • teaching skills such as requesting help or taking a break • supporting transitions • creating calm and predictable routines • reinforcing positive behaviours

These strategies fit naturally into daily activities such as getting ready for school, playtime, mealtimes and bedtime.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from PBS

Families often seek support when they notice

• frequent emotional outbursts • difficulty following routines • strong reactions to changes • challenges with play or social situations • sensory sensitivities that affect daily life • behaviours that impact learning or home life • concerns raised by educators or health professionals

Positive Behaviour Support is suitable for children with or without a diagnosis and can be used across many developmental needs.

Choosing a Suitable PBS Practitioner

In Australia, PBS practitioners often come from backgrounds such as psychology, education, behaviour analysis or allied health. When selecting a provider, parents may wish to look for someone who is

• trained in Positive Behaviour Support • family centred and collaborative • respectful of the child’s communication and sensory needs • focused on teaching skills, not punishment • committed to building quality of life for the whole family

The right practitioner should provide a safe, supportive and judgment free environment for children and their caregivers.

How Bloom Child Therapy Supports Families With Behaviour Needs

Bloom Child Therapy provides child centred and gentle Positive Behaviour Support that focuses on understanding each child’s strengths, communication style and sensory needs. Practitioners use evidence informed strategies to help families build routines, support transitions and teach meaningful skills that improve everyday life.

Bloom works collaboratively with families to understand the reasons behind behaviours and to put proactive strategies in place that make daily activities more manageable. Support may include emotional regulation tools, communication development, visual supports, and guidance for parents on responding to behaviours in calm and consistent ways.

Families appreciate Bloom’s compassionate and practical approach which aims to reduce stress at home while building long term skills for children. Therapists work privately with families and can support those using NDIS funding. Parents are welcome to contact Bloom to discuss whether PBS may be beneficial for their child.