Reducing self-injurious and physically aggressive behaviours with positive behaviour support

Positive Behaviour Support Guide

We received a referral requesting support for a person who was residing in a supported independent living (SIL) accommodation. Staff members were becoming increasingly concerned about their behaviour.  

The person was living with an intellectual disability and a chromosomal condition. They had been engaging in self-harm and behaving in a physically aggressive way towards staff and their housemate. A recent outburst had caused damage to SIL property.  

With a 1:2 staff support ratio, SIL support staff were worried for the person's safety, and for the safety of others working and residing at the property.  

To address the behaviours of concern, Imogen, our Lead Behaviour Support Practitioner undertook the following steps -   

Discover the reasons behind self-injurious and physically aggressive behaviour  

To uncover the reasons behind the behaviour, Imogen conducted a functional assessment of behaviours. Through this, she realised that the person had unmet needs around social connection and recreational activities.  

With this information, she created an individualised positive behaviour support plan, with strategies tailored to help the person reduce behaviours of concern.  

Provide coaching and training for SIL support staff  

Imogen provided coaching and training sessions for SIL support staff to help them –  

• Engage more effectively, using alternative methods of communication.  

• Learn how to encourage the person to participate in recreational activities.  

• Respond to the behaviours of concern in a way that would maintain safety for the person and others around them, with the key priority being de-escalation.  

Create and share visual resources to support more effective communication  

A calendar displaying upcoming activities was made for the person. This calendar featured visuals that helped them see when staff would be available to engage with them 1:1. 

Test and implement recreational activities for individual engagement  

In collaboration with SIL support staff, Imogen created and trialled several recreational activities that the person could engage in independently. Following the trial, Imogen ensured that the person’s favourite activities were available 24/7. This ensured that there were hobbies to focus on when staff were unable to provide 1:1 time.  

How did the positive behaviour strategies help reduce self-injurious and physically aggressive behaviours?  

SIL staff felt more confident engaging and communicating with the person 

Through increased understanding and tailored training and coaching, SIL support staff felt better able to communicate and engage the person which meant their needs were met more effectively and their frustration was reduced.  

Visual resources provided predictability  

The creation and sharing of visual resources gave the person more predictability in their day-to-day life. With this, the person was able to understand when staff could – and couldn’t – provide 1:1 time.  

The person discovered a love of crafting  

Through trialling various activities, the person discovered that they enjoyed crafting. This gave them an activity that they could engage in independently, making it easier for them to find joy and meaning in the times where staff were supporting their housemate.  

Behaviours of concern reduced from daily incidents to 1 – 2 incidents per month 

Pre-intervention, incidents occurred daily. This reduced to 1 to 2 times a month, with staff successfully supporting de-escalation through non-restrictive means. No restrictive practices were required.  

How to get support for people living with a disability and experiencing behaviours of concern 

Our positive behaviour support team work with children, teenagers and adults in Adelaide and North West Melbourne, West Melbourne, North Melbourne and North West Melbourne.  

We provide support to NDIS participants with Improved Relationships (IR) funding. For individuals without IR funding, our team can provide a Pre-PBS assessment to help support your claim for IR funding (note that the Pre-PBS assessment report does not guarantee that PBS funding will be included in your next NDIS plan).  

For NDIS participants with Improved Daily Living (IDL) funding, our team of positive behaviour practitioners can provide short-term skills-building therapy.  

To request support from our team, fill in the NDIS referral form, call us on 1300 575 329 or email us at info@activ8group.com.au.  

PLEASE NOTE: If you or a loved one are experiencing behaviours of concern, please seek professional support. Even if behaviours are similar to those outlined within this guide, be aware that each person is unique and the reasons behind behaviours can - and will - vary by person and situation. The details provided here are not a suitable replacement for professional support.