What Is Positive Behaviour Support PBS ? Real-life examples and practical insights

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “tried everything” with a child or adult showing distressing behaviour—this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Andy Baker, behaviour specialist and author of Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge, breaks down the misunderstood world of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). With real-life examples and practical insights, Andy explores why PBS is more than a poster on the wall. It’s a mindset and a method—rooted in assessment, adaptation and empathy. Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, or parent, this episode offers a compassionate and science-backed look at how to reduce distress, not just manage behaviour. 🧰 Resources Mentioned 📘 Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge by Andy Baker: Buy on Amazon 🧠 The Able Target System: able-training.co.uk/ats 🖥️ Learn more about Able Training’s behaviour courses: www.able-training.co.uk/podcast 🧩 Three Key Messages PBS isn’t soft—it’s strategic. It’s about analysing the function of behaviour, not just punishing the form. Every behaviour has a benefit. If you don’t see it, you’re not asking the right question yet. Focus on skill-building, not shaming. Replacement behaviours work best when they meet the same need in a safer way. ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Behaviour vs Punishment: Why "we’ve tried everything" often isn’t true 00:42 – What is Positive Behaviour Support?: A real-world breakdown 01:08 – Integrating Trauma-Informed Practice: Going beyond the behaviour 02:01 – The 6-Stage TARGET Model: Andy’s unique approach to PBS 03:43 – Real-World Example: Head-Scratcher Strategy 06:19 – Skill-Building vs Compliance: Teaching safer ways to meet needs 07:42 – Autonomy and the Competing Pathway 08:29 – Why PBS Often Fails (and how to fix it) 10:21 – Book Excerpt: Weathering Behaviour with Insight 🤔 Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re a parent or carer constantly firefighting distress without long-term change If you’re a teacher struggling to apply behaviour policies to neurodiverse students If you want a clear, compassionate alternative to sanctions, shame, and suppression This episode offers tools you can start using today—rooted in neuroscience, not guesswork. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Podcast hub: www.able-training.co.uk/podcast 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: Able Training 📲 LinkedIn: Andy Baker