What Does “Person-Centred” Really Mean in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

27 October 2025 | 4 min read

Author: Isabelle Jeffriess, MAppliedBehaviourAnalysis BPsych(Hons) - Behaviour Support Practitioner, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

The Meaning Behind “Person-Centred” in Positive Behaviour Support

In PBS, person-centred means putting the individual - not the behaviour - at the centre of every decision. It’s about asking, “What matters to this person?” and "how is this environment mismatched for them" instead of “What’s wrong with this behaviour?”

When support plans are truly person-centred, they align with the person’s values, motivations, and preferred ways of learning. This approach recognises that behaviour is a form of communication, and understanding the message behind it is key to lasting change.

Moving Beyond “Fixing Behaviour” in Positive Behaviour Support

A common misconception is that PBS is about eliminating challenging behaviour. In reality, it’s about improving quality of life. When we focus solely on stopping behaviour, we risk overlooking the reason it exists. Person-centred PBS shifts the lens:

• Instead of “stopping” behaviour, we ask how to teach alternative skills.

• Instead of “compliance,” we prioritise communication and choice.

• Instead of “control,” we aim for collaboration and autonomy.

  
  

Principles of Person-Centred PBS

• Respect for Individual Differences

  • Every person’s needs, history, and preferences shape how they experience the world. PBS plans must reflect those differences.

• Active Participation

  • Whenever possible, the person should help set their own goals - choosing what they want to learn or change.

• Collaboration Across Teams

  • Person-centred work happens when families, educators, and clinicians share insight respectfully and work toward common outcomes.

• Focus on Strengths

  • Building on what’s already working is more effective than trying to eliminate every challenge.

• Ongoing Reflection

  • Person-centred practice evolves. Regular review ensures the plan continues to meet the person’s goals and environment.

    
    

Putting It Into Practice

• Ask the person or their family what success looks like to them.

• Observe beyond behaviour. Look for interests, sensory preferences, and motivators.

• Include preferred activities and people in support plans.

• Use language that respects dignity. Say “supports for learning new skills” instead of “behaviour management.”

When PBS plans reflect a person’s identity, values, and goals, interventions feel natural and sustainable.

A Real-World Example

Consider a teenager who refuses group activities. A non person-centred approach might create a goal to “increase participation.” A person-centred plan would explore why group settings are difficult, perhaps noise sensitivity or anxiety, and then support gradual participation through choice, comfort items, or smaller groups.

The outcome: the individual feels understood, respected, and empowered to participate on their own terms.

The Big Picture

Person-centred PBS reminds us that behaviour change isn’t the goal - quality of life is. When we understand the person behind the behaviour, we create supports that foster independence, dignity, and genuine connection.

Key Takeaway

Person-centred Positive Behaviour Support means seeing the whole person - their history, values, strengths, and dreams - and designing supports that help them live those out every day.