The NDIS Commission describes Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) as an evidence-based approach that focuses on improving a person’s quality of life and reducing behaviours of concern through understanding, prevention, and teaching new skills.

PBS does not try to control behaviour. Instead, it looks at why a behaviour happens and what the person is communicating through their actions. It aims to meet those needs in safer, more effective ways.

Under the NDIS framework, PBS:

• Promotes human rights and dignity.

• Seeks to understand behaviour in context.

• Builds skills that replace behaviours of concern.

• Reduces and, where possible, eliminates restrictive practices.

• Involves families, carers, and support workers in planning and review.

In short, PBS is about helping the person — and those around them — live safer, calmer, and more fulfilling lives.

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Our Process at Simplify Coaching

We follow a structured and supportive process to make PBS simple, transparent, and effective.

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1. Information Gathering (Weeks 1–2)

We begin by connecting with the key people in the person’s life — family, support workers, teachers, and others who understand them best.

Through 2–3 Functional Assessment Interviews, we learn about the person’s history, preferences, strengths, and areas of challenge.

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2. Observation and Review (Weeks 2–3)

We observe the person in their natural environments — home, school, or community — usually over 1–2 sessions. We also collect relevant reports from other professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, psychologists, speech therapists).

This helps us see how the person interacts with their world and what influences their behaviour day to day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3. Interim Positive Behaviour Support Plan (Within 4 Weeks)

Using the information gathered, we develop an Interim PBS Plan — a practical, safety-focused plan designed to support the person immediately while longer-term understanding develops.

This plan includes:

• Proactive and preventive strategies.

• Crisis and safety responses (if needed).

• Communication, sensory, and environmental adjustments.

Once approved, we deliver the plan through team training to make sure everyone understands how to use it confidently and consistently.

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4. Implementation, Coaching, and Data Collection (Months 2–4)

After the interim plan is in place, we support the team to put it into action.
We collect data on what is working and what still needs adjusting.

Data helps us track changes in behaviour and quality of life — not for judgment, but for understanding patterns and progress.
All data is stored securely, used only for professional planning, and never shared without written consent.

During this time, we offer:

• Regular check-ins.

• Debriefs after incidents.

• Ongoing coaching and reflection sessions.

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5. Functional Behaviour Assessment (Month 4–5)

Once enough data has been collected, we complete a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA).
The FBA helps us confirm why certain behaviours occur and what purpose they serve for the person.

This step deepens our understanding and ensures the next plan is both accurate and person-centered.

6. Comprehensive PBS Plan (Around Month 6)

After completing the FBA, we create a Comprehensive PBS Plan, a long-term plan focused on skill-building, inclusion, and independence.
We then provide another round of training for the person’s team and family to ensure the plan is applied consistently and confidently.

7. Maintenance and Ongoing Support (After Month 6)

Once the comprehensive plan is in place, our role becomes smaller.
We stay connected through maintenance reviews, data checks, and reflection sessions — but our goal is for the family, team, and person to feel ready and capable on their own.

This stage marks the shift from dependence to independence — where our support becomes less needed, and their confidence becomes stronger.

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Key Elements of Positive Behaviour Support

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