1.1 Explain how Positive Behavioural Support has been influenced by: • Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) • Social Role Valorisation (SRV)

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Explain how Positive Behavioural Support has been influenced by: • Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) • Social Role Valorisation (SRV).

Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach aiming to improve the quality of life of individuals and reduce challenging behaviour. It blends solid evidence-based practices with a commitment to respect and dignity. Two major influences on PBS are Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Social Role Valorisation (SRV). Gaining an understanding of these influences helps lead practitioners implement PBS effectively.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Principles of ABA

Applied Behaviour Analysis is a scientific approach that examines how learning occurs. Its main focus is on behaviour change and how environmental factors can influence behaviours. ABA involves:

• Observation: Looking closely at behaviours and identifying specific triggers.
• Intervention: Changing the environment to encourage positive behaviours and reduce negative ones.
• Evaluation: Continuously measuring behaviours to assess the success of interventions.

ABA uses techniques such as reinforcement, prompting, and modelling to bring about meaningful behaviour change.

Influence on PBS

PBS has drawn heavily from ABA in its methodical approach. The influence is evident in several areas:

• Functional Assessment: PBS uses functional behavioural assessment, a core principle of ABA, to identify why challenging behaviours occur. Understanding the purpose behind a behaviour helps in designing effective interventions.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Like ABA, PBS relies on data collection and analysis to guide decisions. Regular data collection allows for assessing progress and adjusting strategies where necessary.
• Focus on Environment: ABA emphasises altering the environment to change behaviour. PBS adopts this by modifying physical and social settings to support positive change.
• Positive Reinforcement: ABA’s use of reinforcement to increase desirable behaviour is integral to PBS. Encouraging positive behaviour through rewards helps create lasting change.
• Skill Building: ABA techniques are used to teach new skills that replace challenging behaviours. PBS employs skill-building strategies to enhance independence and quality of life.

Social Role Valorisation (SRV)

Principles of SRV

Social Role Valorisation is a theory developed by Wolf Wolfensberger. It highlights the importance of providing individuals with valued social roles to improve their experiences and perceptions in society. SRV involves:

• Valued Roles: Ensuring individuals have roles that are respected and valued by society.
• Perception Change: Altering how people view those with disabilities or challenging behaviours.
• Social Integration: Promoting inclusion and integration into the community.

Influence on PBS

PBS incorporates the principles of SRV to enhance life quality:

• Person-Centred Approach: PBS focuses on the person’s strengths and capacities, influenced by SRV’s emphasis on valued roles. Recognising personal potential helps craft support plans that are meaningful.
• Community Inclusion: SRV promotes integration, and PBS adopts these ideals by facilitating community involvement. Encouraging participation in community activities fosters acceptance and inclusion.
• Respect and Dignity: An SRV influence ensures PBS strategies always respect the person’s dignity. Interventions aim not only to reduce challenging behaviour but to enhance the individual’s social standing.
• Holistic View: PBS takes a holistic view of the individual, considering all aspects of life. The SRV influence ensures support plans address emotional, social, and practical needs.
• Empowerment: SRV encourages empowering individuals to take control of their lives. PBS incorporates empowerment by teaching skills that enable independence and choice-making.

Integrating ABA and SRV in PBS

Creating Support Plans

The integration of ABA and SRV forms the backbone of effective PBS support plans. This approach involves:

• Assessment and Planning: Using ABA methods, practitioners assess the function of behaviours. SRV principles guide the development of plans that enhance valued roles and community ties.
• Intervention Techniques: ABA provides practical behaviour modification techniques. SRV ensures these techniques align with improving social roles and life experiences.
• Continuous Monitoring: Both ABA and PBS stress the importance of ongoing evaluation. Feedback helps refine interventions, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
• Collaborative Working: Fostering a team approach involving individuals, families, and professionals ensures comprehensive support. This collaboration reflects the SRV focus on relationships and social networks.

Training and Development

For effective PBS, training should cover ABA and SRV principles. Practitioners benefit from:

• Understanding Behaviour: Training in ABA techniques for assessing and responding to behaviour enhances practitioner competence.
• Valuing Individuals: SRV training promotes seeing beyond behaviours to appreciate individual worth and potential.
• Skill Development: A focus on skill-building ensures practitioners can teach and reinforce positive behaviours effectively.

Challenges and Considerations

While integrating ABA and SRV into PBS offers significant benefits, practitioners may face challenges:

• Balancing Approaches: Finding a balance between behaviour-focused ABA and value-driven SRV requires thoughtful planning.
• Resource Allocation: Implementing comprehensive PBS plans may require additional resources, including time and staffing.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognising and respecting cultural differences is essential in applying PBS principles influenced by ABA and SRV.

Endnote

Positive Behavioural Support, enriched by the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Social Role Valorisation, offers a comprehensive framework for enhancing the lives of individuals with challenging behaviours. By understanding these influences, lead practitioners can better design support that respects, empowers, and integrates individuals into their communities. Through thoughtful application, PBS not only addresses challenging behaviours but expands the individual’s opportunities to thrive socially and personally.