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Poster SEssion

saturday, 26 July 2025

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Hindley 2

Context is Key: A Child Case Study Emphasising Context and Collaboration with Multi-Element Behaviour Support

Jessica Prime, Jessica Bosisto, Rebecca L. Beights, & Geoff Potter

The Centre for Positive Behaviour Support (CPBS)

Abstract: Consideration of context is critical for effective behaviour support. Multi-element behaviour support (MEBS) considers context at every level with a foundation in constructional behaviour analysis and nonlinear contingency analysis (Goldiamond, 2002; LaVigna & Willis, 2012; Layng et al., 2022). MEBS includes thorough analysis of mediators, which are the stakeholders who are often critical to implementation. The current project presents a case study for Alice, a child with high support needs. Context was critical to Alice’s case, as her family has extensive support needs in addition to individual needs for Alice. A MEBS plan was developed for Alice, which included preventative and reactive strategies for several behaviours of concern (e.g., food-seeking, absconding, aggression). Increasing functional communication, decreasing problematic food-seeking behaviour, and removing restrictive practices were significant targets for improvement. Nonlinear contingency analysis highlighted needs for increased reinforcement density, management of family burnout, and empowerment for support staff. Family and support staff were trained in noncontingent reinforcement, functional communication training, and data collection using a behavioural skills training approach. Social validity was collected from family and support staff. Results show significant improvement in behavioural frequency and episodic severity and high social validity. Implications of context, collaboration, and contingency analysis will be discussed.

Improving Access For Regional/Rural National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Participants To Quality Behaviour Support Services

Amanda Green

Multicap Limited

Abstract: Access to quality Positive Behaviour Support services remains a challenge for people under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), even more so for those in regional areas of Queensland. Multicap has led a strategic initiative aimed at bridging this gap and addressing the disadvantages faced by participants and their support networks in these communities.

This case study examines the measurable growth and impact of Multicap’s regional behaviour support services over a 12-month period. Key focus areas included workforce development, targeted professional support for remote practitioners, and sustainable delivery models tailored to geographically isolated areas. It will outline the practical steps taken to recruit and retain skilled practitioners, including the implementation of structured supervision, peer support networks, and professional development pathways. As well as the importance of investing in local talent, building practitioner capability, and team cohesion to enhance service quality and consistency.

By embedding practitioners within their local communities and supporting them to navigate the complex nature of rural service delivery, Multicap is actively reshaping the narrative moving from service scarcity and transient care to continuity, trust, and meaningful outcomes for participants.

Cultural Responsiveness in Behaviour Support Plans

Joanna Katychow

Multicap Limited

Abstract: The NDIS CALD Strategy 2023–2027 Discover Phase Report (2022) highlights the need for cultural and linguistic considerations to be consistently embedded in all NDIA and partner systems, policies, and procedures. One key area where this integration is vital is in the development and implementation of Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), which are central to the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) framework. As noted by Nankervis and Vassos (2023), the BSP is the primary tool used to promote positive behavioural change and enhance quality of life. Cultural responsiveness in BSPs is essential to ensure that interventions are respectful, effective, and inclusive for clients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which cultural considerations are integrated into BSPs for CALD clients and to explore the perspectives of PBS practitioners on culturally responsive practices. The research will involve identifying the cultural backgrounds of current clients from an NDIS Registered PBS Service in Australia receiving behaviour support, reviewing the BSPs of CALD clients to determine how cultural factors are acknowledged and whether the proposed strategies demonstrate cultural responsiveness, and conducting a questionnaire with PBS practitioners who authored the plans to compare their insights with the documented content.

Findings from this study will highlight current strengths and gaps in practice and will inform the development of more inclusive and culturally attuned positive behaviour support approaches. This topic holds particular significance given the diversity of NDIS participants and the ongoing need for equitable, person-centred supports that respect individual cultural identities.

Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - based defusion to improve task initiation

John De Jesus

Multicap Limited

Abstract: This case study investigates the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), specifically cognitive defusion strategies, in improving task initiation for a client experiencing fear-based avoidance of cleaning tasks. The intervention includes defusion techniques such as thought labeling, metaphor use, and observer self-perspective to reduce cognitive fusion with distressing thoughts. Research supports these strategies in reducing the credibility of negative self-statements and enhancing psychological flexibility (Masuda et al., 2004; Chastain et al., 2022). ACT’s emphasis on values-driven action over experiential avoidance has demonstrated utility in addressing anxiety-related task avoidance (Bluett et al., 2014). Data on task initiation and avoidance behaviours was recorded during each session using a structured observational checklist. Latency to task initiation (time from task presentation to start), task completion, and frequency and intensity of avoidance behaviours (e.g., procrastination, verbal refusal) was documented by the practitioner. Client self-reports on anxiety levels and perceived helpfulness of defusion techniques was also collected to capture subjective experience. This multi-method approach enables quantitative and qualitative analysis of changes in task initiation and avoidance across the intervention period. The study aims to highlight the effectiveness of ACT-based defusion for fostering functional behaviour change in clients with anxiety-related task aversion.

Enhancing Quality of Life and Reducing Restrictive Practices through Positive Behaviour Support: A Case Study

Shaniece Edgeworth

Multicap Limited

Abstract: The goals of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) are to decrease challenging behaviours for individuals with disability while increasing their Quality of Life (QOL). As the NDIS Commission (2025) recognises that Restrictive Practices (RPs) negatively impact QOL and directly inhibit human rights, their inclusion within a PBS approach should be carefully considered. PBS uses a person-centred approach to develop socially significant strategies and interventions, tailored to their individual environment, needs and skillset, while upholding their rights (Carberry, et. al., 2024); however must be implemented with fidelity to ensure effectiveness (Johnston, et. al., 2006). This case study focuses on how the fundamentals of PBS were used to increase QOL for an individual with disability.

Chloe (pseudonym), a 29-year-old female diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability and bipolar, has received PBS from several providers across her adult life. When first engaged, Chloe was subject to 4/5 Regulated RPs (RRPs) including containment/seclusion. She had been withdrawn from all community access services due to behaviour and required 2:1, 24hour support. After conducting a thorough functional behaviour assessment, it was determined that some RRPs did not align with the functional determinants of her challenging behaviours and were instead, potentially increasing incidents. Staff were provided extensive training in PBS, function, and environmental strategies.

Since the implementation of function-based interventions Chloe has returned to community programs, reduced staffing to 1:1, and completed her first trip away. Her aggression behaviours have reduced in frequency and she is now subject to only one RRP. Chloe is now working on building emotional regulation skills and wants to go on another holiday for her 30th birthday. It is clear in this case that effective PBS has increased Chloe’s QOL and decreased her challenging behaviours, allowing her to work on new skills.