Implementation of Positive Behavior Support Interventions
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Implementation of Positive Behavior Support Interventions #
Implementation of Positive Behavior Support Interventions
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is an evidence #
based approach to supporting individuals with challenging behavior. The implementation of PBS interventions involves putting strategies and plans into action to improve behavior and overall quality of life for individuals with behavioral challenges. This glossary will explore various terms related to the implementation of Positive Behavior Support interventions in the context of the Postgraduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support.
A #
A
Antecedent #
The events or situations that occur before a behavior is displayed. Antecedents can trigger behaviors, and understanding them is essential for designing effective behavior support plans.
Assessment #
The process of gathering information about an individual's behavior, skills, preferences, and environment to develop a comprehensive understanding of their needs and challenges.
Assessment tools #
Instruments used to collect data during the assessment process, such as behavior rating scales, interviews, direct observations, and checklists.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) #
A scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior based on the principles of behaviorism. ABA techniques are often used in designing behavior support plans.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) #
A developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals with ASD may benefit from Positive Behavior Support interventions.
B #
B
Baseline #
The initial level of a behavior before any intervention is implemented. Baseline data is used to measure the effectiveness of behavior support strategies.
Behavior #
Any observable and measurable action or reaction of an individual. Behaviors can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Behavior support plan #
A comprehensive document that outlines strategies and interventions to address challenging behaviors. It includes information on antecedents, consequences, replacement behaviors, and teaching strategies.
C #
C
Consequence #
The events or actions that follow a behavior. Consequences can influence the likelihood of the behavior recurring in the future.
Cooperating teacher #
A teacher who works with a student teacher during their field placement. Cooperating teachers provide guidance, feedback, and support to help student teachers develop their skills.
Criterion #
referenced assessment: An assessment that evaluates an individual's performance against specific criteria or standards rather than comparing them to others. Criterion-referenced assessments are commonly used in behavior support planning.
D #
D
Data collection #
The process of systematically recording and analyzing information about an individual's behavior. Data collection is essential for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of behavior support interventions.
Direct observation #
A method of data collection that involves watching and recording an individual's behavior in real-time. Direct observation provides objective information about the frequency, duration, and intensity of behaviors.
Discrete trial training (DTT) #
A teaching technique used in ABA to break down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps. DTT involves presenting a stimulus, prompting a response, and providing reinforcement for correct responses.
E #
E
Environmental modification #
Making changes to the physical or social environment to reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors and promote positive behaviors. Environmental modifications can include changes in routines, materials, or interactions.
Evidence #
based practice: Using interventions and strategies that have been proven effective through research and empirical evidence. Positive Behavior Support is an example of an evidence-based practice in the field of behavior analysis.
Extinction #
Withholding reinforcement for a behavior to decrease its occurrence. Extinction is often used in behavior support plans to eliminate problematic behaviors that are maintained by attention or other reinforcers.
F #
F
Functional behavior assessment (FBA) #
A systematic process for gathering information about the function or purpose of a behavior. FBA helps identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and guides the development of effective behavior support plans.
Functional communication training (FCT) #
Teaching individuals alternative ways to communicate their needs and wants to replace challenging behaviors. FCT is often used in behavior support plans to promote functional communication skills.
G #
G
Generalization #
The ability to apply learned skills and behaviors in different settings and with different people. Generalization is an important goal of behavior support interventions to ensure that individuals can use their skills across various contexts.
H #
H
High #
probability request sequence (HPRS): A strategy used to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior by presenting a series of requests with high response rates before a low-probability request. HPRS can be effective in teaching new skills and promoting compliance.
Functional behavior assessment (FBA) #
A systematic process for gathering information about the function or purpose of a behavior. FBA helps identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and guides the development of effective behavior support plans.
I #
I
Individualized Education Program (IEP) #
A legally binding document that outlines the special education services and supports a student with a disability will receive. The IEP includes academic, social, and behavioral goals tailored to the individual student's needs.
Indirect assessment #
Gathering information about an individual's behavior through interviews, surveys, and questionnaires. Indirect assessments provide valuable insights into the individual's preferences, strengths, and challenges.
Interobserver agreement #
A measure of the consistency between two or more observers' data collection. Interobserver agreement ensures the reliability and validity of data collected during direct observations.
J #
J
Joint attention #
The ability to share attention with others and focus on the same object or event. Joint attention is an important social skill that supports communication and social interactions.
K #
K
Key personnel #
The individuals responsible for implementing behavior support plans and interventions. Key personnel may include teachers, parents, support staff, and other professionals involved in the individual's care.
L #
L
Least restrictive environment #
A legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that students with disabilities should be educated in the most inclusive setting possible. Positive Behavior Support interventions aim to promote inclusion and access to the general education environment.
Low #
arousal approach: A strategy that focuses on creating calm, predictable, and non-threatening environments to reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors. The low-arousal approach is often used in behavior support planning for individuals with sensory sensitivities or emotional regulation difficulties.
M #
M
Maintenance #
The long-term sustainability of behavior change over time. Maintenance is an essential consideration in behavior support planning to ensure that positive behaviors continue beyond the intervention period.
Mand training #
Teaching individuals to request items or activities to meet their needs and wants. Mand training is an essential component of communication skills development in behavior support plans.
N #
N
Naturalistic teaching #
A teaching approach that embeds learning opportunities into everyday activities and routines. Naturalistic teaching promotes generalization of skills and encourages individuals to use their skills in real-life situations.
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) #
Providing reinforcement on a fixed schedule regardless of the individual's behavior. NCR is used to reduce problem behaviors maintained by attention or other reinforcers.
O #
O
Operational definition #
A clear and specific description of a behavior that can be observed and measured. Operational definitions help ensure consistency in data collection and interpretation.
Outcome measures #
Quantitative or qualitative indicators used to assess the effectiveness of behavior support interventions. Outcome measures may include changes in behavior, social interactions, academic performance, and quality of life.
P #
P
Parent training #
Providing parents with the knowledge and skills to implement behavior support strategies at home. Parent training is an essential component of behavior support planning to promote consistency and generalization of skills.
Peer #
mediated interventions: Strategies that involve peers in supporting individuals with challenging behaviors. Peer-mediated interventions promote social interactions, communication, and positive peer relationships.
Positive reinforcement #
Providing a reward or incentive to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. Positive reinforcement is a key principle of behavior support interventions and is used to motivate individuals to engage in positive behaviors.
Q #
Q
Quality of life #
The overall well-being and satisfaction of an individual in various domains, including physical health, emotional well-being, social relationships, and personal fulfillment. Positive Behavior Support aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with challenging behaviors.
R #
R
Reactive strategies #
Interventions that address challenging behaviors after they occur. Reactive strategies may include redirection, de-escalation techniques, or crisis management procedures.
Replacement behavior #
A positive alternative to a challenging behavior that serves the same function or purpose. Replacement behaviors are taught and reinforced to replace problem behaviors effectively.
Response cost #
Removing a reinforcer or privilege following a problem behavior to decrease its occurrence. Response cost is a form of negative punishment used in behavior support plans.
S #
S
Self #
management: A strategy that teaches individuals to monitor and regulate their own behavior. Self-management skills empower individuals to take control of their actions and make positive choices.
Social validity #
The extent to which behavior support interventions are acceptable, feasible, and meaningful to stakeholders, including individuals with challenging behaviors, families, and service providers. Social validity is an important consideration in designing effective behavior support plans.
Staff training #
Providing professionals and support staff with the knowledge and skills to implement behavior support interventions effectively. Staff training ensures consistency in intervention delivery and promotes a collaborative approach to behavior support.
T #
T
Task analysis #
Breaking down complex skills or tasks into smaller, sequential steps. Task analysis helps identify the individual components of a skill and facilitates teaching and mastery.
Token economy #
A system of reinforcement that uses tokens or points as rewards for desired behaviors. Token economies are commonly used in behavior support plans to motivate individuals and reinforce positive behaviors.
U #
U
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) #
An educational framework that promotes inclusive teaching practices and provides multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to accommodate diverse learners. UDL principles can be applied in behavior support planning to address individual needs and preferences.
V #
V
Verbal behavior #
A theory of language and communication that emphasizes the function and purpose of verbal behavior. Verbal behavior analysis is often used in teaching communication skills and promoting language development in behavior support plans.
Visual supports #
Visual aids, such as pictures, symbols, schedules, and charts, used to enhance communication, organization, and understanding for individuals with diverse learning needs. Visual supports can be effective in promoting independence and reducing anxiety in behavior support interventions.
W #
W
Wraparound services #
Comprehensive, individualized services that support individuals with complex needs in various settings, such as home, school, and community. Wraparound services aim to address the holistic needs of individuals and promote positive outcomes.
X #
X
Xenophobia #
A fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners. Xenophobia can contribute to social isolation and exclusion for individuals with diverse backgrounds or identities.
Y #
Y
Yielding #
A technique used in crisis management to reduce physical resistance and aggression. Yielding involves redirecting force or pressure to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of individuals in crisis situations.
Z #
Z
Zone of proximal development (ZPD) #
The difference between what an individual can do independently and what they can achieve with support and guidance. ZPD is a key concept in teaching and learning, emphasizing the importance of challenging individuals while providing appropriate scaffolding and assistance.