Behavioural Support Within an Australian Non-government Organisation

Abstract

This chapter will describe how positive behaviour support (PBS) is delivered within an autism-specific non-government organisation (NGO), Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), which operates a large independent school system for students on the autism spectrum. The delivery of positive behaviour support (PBS) in Australia has traditionally been led by state-based government services in the disability sector, with mainstream education increasingly favouring whole-school PBS. As an NGO, Aspect has the opportunity to develop PBS policy and practice for its schools based on state, national, and international best practice. PBS can be delivered at an individual and an organisational level. Aspect has adapted PBS to be delivered in different formats specifically to meet the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum of different ages and abilities who are supported in family and community as well as educational settings. Adaptations have developed through constant reflections on evidence and practice to ensure that PBS is easily understood, practical, person-centred, and autism-specific. Aspect has also prioritised a coordinated whole-of-organisation approach to PBS, developing environments for all students that prevent challenging behaviour and supporting staff to implement PBS.