Behaviour Is Communication: Understanding the ‘Why’ in PBS
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Behaviour doesn’t happen in a vacuum. And it doesn’t mean someone is “non-compliant” or “difficult”. In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), we learn to ask: what is this behaviour trying to tell us?
🧠 The Behaviour = Communication Principle
In PBS, we assume that all behaviour has meaning. It may be:
- A response to unmet needs
- Triggered by environmental stressors
- A learned strategy that once worked
Once you change your lens, your questions change — from “How do we stop this?” to “What’s going on beneath this?”
🔍 Look for Patterns, Not Incidents
Behaviour becomes clearer when we track and reflect:
- What happened just before the behaviour (antecedents)?
- What was the person trying to achieve or avoid?
- How did others respond — and did that reinforce the behaviour?
Understanding these ABCs (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) helps us avoid superficial fixes and create real change.
🧭 Why This Matters in Tenders
Commissioners don’t just want to see that you have PBS training. They want to see how your team uses behavioural insight to:
- Prevent distress through early intervention
- Tailor support to individual needs and triggers
- Avoid restrictive or reactive practices
When you understand the ‘why’, you deliver safer, more person-centred care.