Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach to caring for people with a learning disability, who may display challenging behaviours.

Challenging behaviours can damage people’s quality of life and safety, which can sometimes lead them to be excluded from the community in some way.
They can be looked at as a form of communication, as the person is letting others know their needs are not being met.

They can include, but are not restricted to:

• Hitting or kicking other people.
• Throwing things.
• Self-harming.

What Are the Benefits of PBS?

The benefits of PBS are important to include the best care for each individual to receive the best care.

Benefits include:

• It aims to understand the challenging behaviours of individuals by assessing the physical and social environment in which the behaviour occurs.
• Works to enhance quality of life.
• Unrestrictive as possible.
• It ensures mindfulness of preferences around communication.

How Can PBS be delivered?

PBS can be delivered in a number of ways, depending on the individual and their needs. A functional assessment should be carried out to understand these needs and possible triggers of challenging behaviours.

At Stepping Stones, we believe in the importance of person-centred care and Positive Behaviour Support for our service users. Contact us today for more information.

Supporting young adults with autism is essential for their independence and becoming valued members of the community.

Support can come in different forms, whether that’s during times of respite care or 24/7 support at the Stepping Stones Community Living house.

An important aspect of supporting young adults with autism is allowing them to create a lasting and trusting relationship with their carers. Meetings should be held with each young adult to understand their needs and triggers.

Importance of Personalised Plans

Personalised plans for young adults with autism allows them to receive bespoke care that is tailored to them.

The personalised plan will take into account the person’s strengths, skills and mental and physical impairment, family and social context and educational context.

What Support Is Available?

Support can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.

It may include help with:

• Everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking, etc.
• Joining social groups
• Helping with social isolation, including practising social communication skills.

Support should not be forced as new techniques, such as enabling young people to join social groups and integrate into their local community, should not be forced and should done at the pace of the individual.

At Stepping Stones, we provide help and support for young adults with autism, contact us today for more information.