Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) has gained a reputation as a powerful tool for helping individuals with disabilities manage challenging behaviours. However, several misconceptions still linger about what PBS truly entails. Let’s dig into some of these common myths that often lead to misconceptions.
PBS Is Only for Severe Disabilities
Amongst the biggest myths is that PBS is only something for people with very severe disabilities. The thing about PBS is that it is an immensely practical tool to any individual facing truly tough behaviours, regardless of his or her level of disability. PBS is a flexible approach that will fit one’s unique needs or goals, from someone with very slight behavioural challenges to someone with more complex problems.
PBS Only Stops Bad Behaviours
Another misconception is that PBS will focus just on stopping or eliminating challenging behaviours. Although such behaviours do need to be decreased at times, PBS has much deeper purposes. It looks to positively benefit the whole individual’s wellbeing through eliminating causes and effects of the behaviour and thereby creating positive abilities instead.
PBS Uses Punishment
A lot of people always mention that the approach by PBS is either punishment or restrictive measures towards behaviour. This is quite far from the truth. In fact, it really involves positive strategies that empower people instead of limiting them. This means proactive intervention to prevent the development of troublesome behaviours. This can be given through a friendly environment, giving the person more communicative tools, or teaching the individual on new positive behaviours that meet their needs. Thus, it becomes a form of giving understanding and enabling interaction behaviours rather than punishment.
PBS Is A Quick Fix
A myth may develop to provide the generalisation that PBS is some sort of silver bullet way to address challenging behaviour. Actually, it will take time teamwork, and preparing a sound plan for PBS. It includes assessing and reviewing with time and support from the multidisciplinary team.
A PBS plan is not at all rigid, but it keeps changing according to individual needs. So if you are looking for just a quick fix, then you have to change your approach to getting this done. PBS stands for that change that lasts through constant striving and collaboration
Only Professionals Can Implement PBS
Another wrong perception about PBS is that only qualified professionals can do it. Of course, professionals are not responsible in all applications of PBS; however, implementation can only be effective if the effort of individuals, families, and support networks is combined.
Families are often the first line of support, and their involvement is vital for the success of any PBS plan. With the right guidance and resources, anyone can contribute to implementing PBS strategies in everyday life.
Positive Behaviour Support is empowering people and improving their lives, and it is far more than behaviour management. Now it’s time to break the common misconceptions people have regarding the value of PBS and keep going with our way towards an even more supportive environment for all.
