Positive Behavior Supports
As discussed in the Person-Centered Supports and Person-Centered Planning courses, providing person-centered support involves understanding both what is important to and important for the person. This may be challenging when the person has different communication abilities and has difficulty expressing their wants and needs.
How effective we are in supporting others depends on: (1) How clearly we understand what the other person is communicating to us; and (2) How well we communicate our wants and needs to others.
Communication is very complex. It is more than just the words we speak and what we hear from others. Our behavior communicates or expresses something, whether it is done intentionally or unintentionally. Everything we say and do is a form of communication. Sometimes, a participant might engage in challenging behaviors to communicate they want or need something or someone. They may also be communicating they are trying to avoid or escape something or someone.
Challenging behaviors often result from having unmet needs. Having effective communication skills enables us to better meet the needs of others. When people feel understood, it enables them to improve their quality of life and increase their community involvement. When people are able to effectively communicate with those around them, they are empowered to live their good life. Being understood also allows us to stay socially connected, be supported with what is important to and important for us, and live healthier and happier lives.
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Describe verbal and nonverbal communication methods.
- Demonstrate respect and dignity when communicating.
- Understand that the challenging behaviors a participant may display are used to communicate a message.
- Identify possible reasons why the person may engage in challenging behaviors.
- Identify how environmental factors and the person’s quality of life may influence their behavior.
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
Describe skills to support effective communication such as overcoming barriers, creating positive environments, and using active listening.
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Use Positive Behavior Supports to help the person replace challenging behaviors.
- Develop and use appropriate, individualized strategies and supports to help the person replace challenging behaviors with positive replacement behaviors.
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand the six elements of a Behavior Support Plan and how to use the information to support the person.
- Identify and understand the A-B-C (Antecedents – Behaviors – Consequences) Data to assess the person’s challenging behavior.
Course Workbook
🖨 Print the Positive Behavior Supports Workbook (PDF), or print the full Visions Workbooks (PDF).
Use the workbook to take notes, prepare for quizzes, and keep as a reference for the future.
