About this resource
Small environmental changes can make a big difference. This record describes one change, such as moving furniture, reducing noise or changing lighting, the baseline, observations during the trial and a team decision to keep, adjust or stop it.
Purpose
To test environmental changes systematically and keep what works.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Positive behaviour support practitioners. Also relevant for disability support workers, occupational therapists.
Client or participant group: Teams trialling environmental changes.
Practice setting: Supported living, schools, day programs and family homes.
Suggested uses
- Behaviour support planning
- Sensory environment changes
- New homes
- Team problem-solving
Instructions for practitioners
- Change one thing at a time.
- Record a short baseline first.
- Include the person's response and views.
- Decide as a team.
Accessibility considerations
Ask the person about the change.
Scope and limitations
A trial record. It must not be used to introduce restrictive environmental changes, such as locking areas, without authorisation.
Research basis
Positive behaviour support aims to improve quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern by understanding their function and changing environments and skills. Understanding what happens before and after behaviour is the basis of functional assessment, which guides support.
- Allen, D., James, W., Evans, J., Hawkins, S., & Jenkins, R. (2005). Positive Behavioural Support: Definition, Current Status and Future Directions. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 10(2), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595474200500014
- Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(2), 147–185. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2003.36-147
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
