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Some days can be tough. If you’re caring for someone with autism, you might be facing behaviours that are hard to manage or don’t make sense right away. You’re not alone — and there is support that can help.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a gentle, respectful approach that looks beyond the behaviour itself. It helps you understand why a behaviour is happening, and what the person might be trying to say without words. At United For Care, we believe that every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported — and PBS is one of the tools that helps us do that.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is an approach used by trained specialists to support people who may show signs of distress or challenging behaviour. It’s commonly used for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where communication, sensory processing, or changes in routine can lead to behaviours that are difficult for others to understand.
Instead of focusing on stopping the behaviour, PBS focuses on the whole person. It looks at:
- What triggers the behaviour
- What the person might need or be feeling
- How we can make things easier, safer, and more predictable
- Teaching new skills so the person has more ways to express themselves
The goal is always to improve quality of life — not just for the person, but for their family, carers, and support team too.
How It Helps People with Autism
People with autism often experience the world in different ways. Lights, sounds, touch, routines — all of these can feel overwhelming or confusing. When this happens, behaviours like meltdowns, repetitive actions, or withdrawal can be a way of coping.
PBS helps by:
- Reducing triggers in the environment (like noise or sudden changes)
- Creating predictable routines
- Building new communication methods (like visuals, tech, or gestures)
- Teaching calming strategies
- Supporting carers and families with practical tools
With the right support, many people with autism can feel more settled, more in control, and more confident in their daily lives.
What About the NDIS?
If you or someone you support has an NDIS plan, Positive Behaviour Support might be available under Improved Relationships or Capacity Building – Daily Living funding.
This funding can be used to:
- Work with a registered behaviour support practitioner
- Create a personalised Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)
- Get training and support for families and support workers
- Monitor changes and update strategies over time
At United For Care, we can help you navigate the NDIS and find out if PBS is right for your plan.
The People Behind the Support
Positive Behaviour Support isn’t something you do alone. It’s delivered by qualified specialists who are trained to understand behaviours of concern — and who truly care.
At United For Care, we work closely with skilled PBS practitioners who are registered and experienced in supporting people with autism and other disabilities. They work one-on-one with each participant, taking the time to understand their needs, goals, and preferences.
This means you’re not just getting a generic plan — you’re getting support that’s tailored, respectful, and based on real connection.
Families Matter Too
PBS doesn’t just support the person with autism. It supports you too.
We know that families and carers are under a lot of pressure. That’s why Positive Behaviour Support also focuses on giving you the tools, information, and guidance to feel more confident. Whether it’s strategies for difficult moments, setting up routines at home, or knowing when to ask for help — you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Why United For Care?
We’re here for people. We’re here for you. At United For Care, we go beyond just services — we create safe, caring homes and support networks that understand complex needs.
When it comes to Positive Behaviour Support, we:
- Work with trusted PBS practitioners
- Understand how autism impacts everyday life
- Coordinate care that suits the person’s needs and preferences
- Offer consistent, wraparound support — from behaviour planning to daily living
We also know the NDIS system well, and we’re happy to help guide you through it.
If someone you care about is living with autism and experiencing behaviours that are challenging, there is support available. Positive Behaviour Support can open up new ways of understanding, reduce stress, and help build skills for life.
At United For Care, we’re here to listen, to support, and to walk this path with you.
Whether you’re just starting with the NDIS or looking for a better support plan, we’ll help you find the right practitioner and make sure your family gets the help it deserves.
Related: Interested in Functional Capacity Assessments for Autism? Our friendly team can help you out.
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