Spectrum

Behavioural support for both adults and children is provided by a specially trained team called the 'Behavioural Forum'

Our aim is to enrich the lives of services users by reducing behaviours of concern and to increase staff confidence in being able to provide the right level of support through non-aversive methods.

We focus on problem-solving when a service user’s behaviour changes significantly or detrimentally. By means of positive behavioural support, and functional analysis (which seeks to identify the reasons behind a person’s behaviour), we can address deteriorating behaviour by intervening effectively. Positive behavioural support also enables us to widen the scope of appropriate behaviours, and to teach new skills to avoid challenging behaviour.

We're supported by our own clinical psychologist, and by team members who are assigned to individual cases. Information on interventions is shared regularly with others and assessed in terms of the Mental Capacity Act. We also liaise with the community learning disability team and with external psychiatric services.

Spectrum and the adoption of Positive Behaviour Support as a service model

Spectrum works with and supports people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disabilities and complex needs that “challenge” service providers. To ensure we have a robust response to these challenges, it is vital the service is organised and delivered around some key service parameters.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Focus on Quality of Life gains as an intervention and outcome
• Reduction in challenging behaviour is a side-effect of intervention
• Based on a functional analysis
• Emphasis on antecedent intervention
• Constructional / developmental
• Minimises use of punitive procedures
• Multi-component
• Long-term focus
• Clearly distinguishes between proactive and reactive strategies