Positive behaviour support and challenging behaviours

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides advice guidance within the UK to improve health and social care.

NICE guideline 11 gives the following introduction to challenging behaviour:

Some people with a learning disability display behaviour that challenges. Behaviour that challenges is not a diagnosis and is used in this guideline to indicate that although such behaviour is a challenge to services, family members or carers, it may serve a purpose for the person with an Intellectual Disability (for example, by producing sensory stimulation, attracting attention, avoiding demands and communicating with other people). This behaviour often results from the interaction between personal and environmental factors and includes aggression, self-injury, stereotypic behaviour, withdrawal, and disruptive or destructive behaviour (NICE, 2015).

Have a look at this video about challenging behaviour and positive behaviour support from BILD (British Institute of Learning Disabilities).

The video explains that all behaviour happens for a reason, and challenging behaviour is no different. It introduces ‘Positive Behaviour Support’ (PBS), a person-centred and values-based approach. The aim of PBS is to understand why the challenging behaviour is being exhibited (for example, someone may be lonely or overwhelmed) and the triggers which may lead to the challenging behaviour (for example, loud noises). With this knowledge, a plan can be created to help improve quality of life.

If you are unable to access the video, above, this document provides further information about PBS.