Language and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) are closely linked because language plays a crucial role in promoting positive behaviour in individuals, particularly those with disabilities or behavioural challenges. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-cantered framework that focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviour and using positive interventions to teach more appropriate behaviours. Effective communication—both verbal and non-verbal—is an essential tool in this process.
Table of Contents
How Language ties into Positive Behaviour Support:
1. Communication as a Tool for Understanding
- In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), one of the first steps is to understand the function of behaviour (e.g., attention-seeking, escape, sensory stimulation, or communication). A person’s language (or lack thereof) can give significant insight into what they might be trying to communicate. For example, if someone is not yet using words effectively, they may engage in disruptive behaviour to express unmet needs, like frustration or a desire for attention.
- Language development and communication skills are central to supporting individuals in expressing their needs and wants more appropriately, reducing the likelihood of maladaptive behaviours.
2. Teaching Functional Communication
- Instead of punishing undesirable behaviours, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on teaching functional communication. This involves helping individuals use language (or other communication methods like gestures, sign language, or communication devices) to express themselves. For example, a child who frequently throws tantrums when they want something can be taught to use a simple phrase like “I want that” or use a picture card.
- Functional communication helps to prevent behaviours that are often triggered by frustration due to an inability to communicate effectively.
3. Positive Language and Reinforcement
- Positive reinforcement is a key strategy in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), and the language used to reinforce desirable behaviours is important. For instance, when an individual engages in positive behaviours (e.g., waiting their turn or using appropriate language), it is important to use positive and encouraging language to acknowledge their effort, like saying “Great job using your words!” This helps to motivate the individual to repeat those behaviours in the future.
- The way staff or caregivers talk about behaviour can influence outcomes. Using positive, non-judgmental, and supportive language encourages an individual to feel safe, valued, and motivated to change their behaviours.
4. Supporting Self-Regulation through Language
- Language can also be a tool for self-regulation. For individuals who may struggle with regulating their emotions or behaviours, verbal prompts and cues can help them manage situations. For example, teachers or caregivers might use calming language to guide an individual through stressful moments: “Take a deep breath,” or “Let’s count to five before you decide what to do.“
- Some individuals benefit from using a specific set of phrases or self-talk strategies to help manage frustration or anxiety.
5. Person-Centred Planning
- In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), language is crucial for person-centred planning, which involves creating strategies based on an individual’s preferences, strengths, and needs. Communication can be used to gather information about what motivates a person, what they enjoy, and what they find challenging. This ensures that interventions are meaningful and tailored to the individual’s goals.
- The language used in this planning is respectful, affirming, and empowering, supporting the individual’s autonomy and dignity.
6. Prevention and De-Escalation
- Using proactive language can help to prevent behavioural escalation. If staff or caregivers are trained to use de-escalating language (e.g., “Let’s take a break,” or “I see you’re upset, do you want to talk about it?“), it can help reduce the likelihood of aggressive or disruptive behaviours.
- Language can also help individuals recognize early signs of stress and take action before they reach a crisis point.
7. Collaboration with Families and Teams
- Language is also vital when working with families, teachers, and other professionals. Consistent language and communication between all involved parties ensures that interventions are coherent and that the individual receives the necessary support across different environments (home, school, community).
Key Language Strategies in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS):
1. Use of Positive Reinforcement: Praise positive actions with clear, specific language. For example, “I really like how you waited your turn without interrupting!”
2. Clear, Simple Instructions: Give direct, understandable instructions to avoid confusion. For example, “Please put your book on the table.”
3. Non-verbal Communication: Use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate support and reinforce positive behaviours.
4. Empathetic and Calming Language: Use calming, reassuring phrases when helping an individual regulate their emotions. For example, “It’s okay, we can work through this together.”
5. Teach Self-Regulation: Help individuals learn to use self-talk or other verbal strategies to calm themselves or express their needs appropriately.
Summary
Language is an essential component of Positive Behaviour Support, helping to understand, teach, and reinforce positive behaviours. Through functional communication, positive reinforcement, and appropriate language use, PBS can be an effective framework for supporting individuals in developing more adaptive, positive behaviours while fostering their communication skills.
Transform Life is a NDIS registered organisation that provide support for your autistic child, as well as support to you as a parent to best navigate the challenges your child and family face on a daily basis.
Book your consult with an experienced Therapist at Transform Life to explore how OT, PBS and Speech Therapy can support you and your family.
