EMPOWERING POSITIVE CHANGE +  BRIGHTER FUTURES

PBS aims to help those with behavioural issues that often result from disabilities, developmental delays, or mental health conditions. 

It works through the implementation of different skills and strategies that recognise an individual’s unique challenges and needs, allowing them to better handle their emotions, behavioural impulses, and mental barriers. 

Treatment and strategies are bespoke and implemented to best meet the needs of the client.

PBS is most effective when it’s tailored to the specific needs of the individual. The behavioural struggles a client with an intellectual disability experiences will be drastically different to the struggles of someone with a mental health condition. 

The team at Conscious Healthcare SA takes time to get to know each client and the specific disability or condition impacting aspects of their behaviour. Once we know what they’re looking to address, we can propose a range of skills and strategies to introduce. These include:

• Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA): this involves a systemic process of identifying underlying causes and functions of challenging behaviour in a client so that effective intervention strategies can be developed.
• Behaviour Intervention Plan (BIP) Development: with the insights gained from an FBA, a BIP can be created to address the specific challenging behaviours of the client through proactive, replacement, and reactive strategies.
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): a science-driven approach to understanding and improving behaviour with evidence-based techniques, with a key focus on reinforcing positive behaviours and reducing negative ones.
• Positive Behaviour Support Strategies: a proactive, strengths-based approach that helps yield desirable behaviours for clients through improving their quality of life, teaching new skills, and modifying their environment.
• Communication and Social Skills Training: help clients develop effective ways of expressing themselves and interacting with others, which results in improved relationships and greater independence in social settings.
• Functional Skill Building: teaching clients practical, everyday skills that enable them to live with independence and manage self-care, work-related tasks, and problem-solving.

Crisis Prevention and De-escalation: develop essential techniques for clients to identify early signs of distress and implement calming strategies so they can safely manage and reduce the intensity of their reactions and lessen the likelihood of potential harm.

Yes. If you require PBS as a result of a disability or long-term impairment, it’s likely you could qualify for NDIS positive behaviour support. 

It’s important to confirm NDIS eligibility before submitting any application with Conscious Healthcare SA. You can learn more about which disabilities or impairments are likely to be covered by NDIS here.

If for any reason you can’t get coverage through NDIS, we can still provide PBS to you as a private patient.

A range of behaviours can be addressed through positive behaviour support and behaviour intervention plans. There are various behaviours that can be addressed, but some common ones include:

• Aggression
• Self-injurious behaviours
• Tantrums
• Autistic meltdowns
• Destructive behaviours (including property destruction)
• Non-compliance
• Emotional dysregulation 
• Withdrawal behaviours

Autistic children can face a range of day-to-day challenges that impede their ability to perform tasks and manage their behaviour. 

They may experience heightened sensitivity to different sensory stimuli, process circumstances in ways that could be mentally and emotionally overwhelming, and may experience autistic meltdowns due to dysregulation, distress, or intense overwhelm.

PBS strategies focus on teaching autistic children functional skills that are beneficial to their specific needs and the way their minds work. PBS can also help them improve their communication and interaction skills while creating more structured and supportive environments for their needs. 

The specific strategies will vary depending on the child’s main triggers and the level of support they require (e.g. high-support needs or low-support needs).

The behavioural assessments performed at Conscious Healthcare SA include common steps that are present in most functional behavioural assessments (FBAs). They cover six key steps, which are as follows:

1. We define the behaviour: a behavioural support therapist describes the challenging behaviour (or behaviours) in observable and measurable terms.
2. Information gathering: the therapist gathers additional information and relevant data through interviews with the client (and family and friends, if applicable), questionnaires, and direct observations. This provides clearer context to the behaviour.
3. Identify triggers and consequences: the therapist identifies what occurs before a behavioural episode (the trigger), the resulting behaviour, and what occurs after the behaviour.
4. Hypothesise the purpose of the behaviour: the therapist puts forward a hypothesis as to why a particular behaviour occurs - is the client wanting attention, do they want to avoid something, or is there another outcome they’re seeking?
5. Additional information gathering: if necessary, the therapist will continue with further assessments and observations to ensure they have a clear understanding of the causal links between a trigger, behaviour, and the driving forces behind their conduct.
6. Intervention plan: at the end of the assessment period, the therapist uses their findings to develop a Behavioural Intervention Plan (BIP).

Yes, the plans developed through positive behaviour support can be used at home and in school environments for children receiving PBS. If you’re looking to implement a PBS plan for your child, we’ll help you map out the appropriate strategies and provide information that can be given to your child’s school.

It’s important to ensure the school is informed of the plan and the corresponding strategies and techniques your child’s being encouraged to implement.

PBS plans aren’t just for the individual - they’re designed with everyone the client regularly interacts with in mind. That’s because positive behaviour isn’t just dependent on the individual; it’s also dependent on their environment, those they see every day, the support they get from others, etc.

During the development of the PBS plan, we encourage families to be involved and understand what will be required of them to help support their loved ones.

Families can be involved in sessions or we’ll provide them with all the necessary documentation and information they need to understand the plan we’ve put together for the client.

A PBS plan should be updated on a relatively regular basis to ensure the most effective strategies are being implemented. We review support plans every 12 months to ensure they’re still effective for the client’s needs.

Yes, PBS therapy can be an invaluable option for anyone who struggles with emotional regulation. Emotional dysregulation impacts individuals at any age, but can be particularly prevalent during adolescent and teen years. Rapidly changing hormones and differing social relationships can create emotional difficulties, especially as teenagers try to make sense of new life experiences.

PBS services can be helpful in arming teenagers with strategies, coping mechanisms, and a greater awareness of how and why emotions can become dysregulated. If you have a teenager who could benefit from PBS, we can help. PBS may be covered if they have a qualifying disability or impairment, otherwise we can provide our services to them as a private patient.

When you choose Conscious Healthcare SA, you’re choosing a registered provider of NDIS positive behaviour support in Adelaide. We help clients who live with a disability or long-term impairment lead more independent and purpose-driven lives.

Not only do we offer in-clinic services at our two locations (Seacliff in the south of Adelaide and Mawson Lakes in the north), we can also come to your home or provide Australia-wide PBS therapy through telehealth. 

Our qualified practitioners have decades of collective experience and are deeply familiar with the NDIS system, meaning they can provide comprehensive and informed support for each client. Whether you or a loved one is in need of PBS, we can help. Get in touch with us today to get started.

Hi, I’m Rowena Cornish, a Behaviour Support Practitioner and PBS Team Lead at Conscious Healthcare SA.

With over 20 years of experience as a Developmental Educator, I’m dedicated to helping individuals create meaningful, positive change in their lives. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability Studies) and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, and throughout my career, I’ve worked in community, accommodation, and employment settings, providing support coordination, positive behaviour support, and managing multidisciplinary teams. My approach is person-centred, collaborative, and strengths-based, ensuring that the strategies we develop together are tailored to your unique needs, interests, and goals.

In our sessions, I focus on understanding who you are—your interests, routines, and the activities you enjoy. Together, we identify practical strategies that can reduce risks, increase independence, and empower you to live a fulfilling life. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel comfortable expressing yourself and actively participating in your journey toward a better quality of life.

I specialise in working with teenagers through to adults, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and dementia. At Conscious Healthcare, we follow a positive behaviour support framework to develop comprehensive plans that address specific behaviours and promote functional, safe alternatives. As a full member of Developmental Educators Australia Inc (DEAI) and Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia (BSPA), I stay updated with the latest in positive behaviour support, functional behaviour analysis, and trauma-informed practices through regular training and community practice events.

In my role, I work closely with clients and their support teams, using a collaborative approach that involves meeting with people who know you well and gathering information from various sources to build an effective support plan. My passion lies in helping people build on their strengths through positive and proactive strategies, creating a respectful space where everyone feels valued.

I look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals and making a positive impact on your journey.

Hi, I’m Jess, a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner at Conscious Healthcare SA.

I’m passionate about using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to help people with disabilities live their best lives. PBS is an evidence-based, person-centred intervention that focuses on improving quality of life for individuals and their support teams, while reducing and eliminating challenging behaviours. My approach is truly person-centred, ensuring that you have choice and control every step of the way as we work together to create positive, lasting change.

I have over 10 years of experience supporting individuals across a range of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Intellectual Disabilities. I specialise in helping participants and their support teams develop skills to improve their environment, reduce triggers, and implement effective behaviour strategies. Together, we’ll create a plan that enhances your quality of life and supports your goals.

I hold a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling and Psychology) from the University of South Australia, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Flinders University. In addition to my formal qualifications, I’ve completed extensive training in areas such as trauma-informed practice, anxiety and autism, and evidence-based behaviour support strategies. I’m also a full member of the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors and Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia.

My aim is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you feel respected, understood, and heard. I’m passionate about empowering individuals to develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive, and I believe in the power of Positive Behaviour Support to help you sparkle in your own unique way. As someone who is, and loves, neurodivergent people, I’m committed to helping you live your best life while being your true, authentic self.

Hi, I’m Mohamed, a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner at Conscious Healthcare SA.

Although I’m new to the field of Positive Behaviour Support, I bring over 10 years of community-related work experience, along with a deep passion for helping individuals from all walks of life. My background in science and disability services, combined with my commitment to evidence-based strategies, equips me with the tools to support you in achieving your best quality of life.

I am particularly dedicated to working with individuals from disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and I’m proud to offer services in both English and Arabic. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of navigating life in a new country and learning a new language, I understand how frustrating communication barriers can be. I’m here to help you overcome those challenges and ensure that your voice is heard and respected.

With a strong emphasis on fostering positive, supportive environments, I believe in the power of meaningful relationships and an active lifestyle to enhance well-being. My approach is empathetic, friendly, and grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate care, no matter their background.

In my role, I’m fortunate to work alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team, including experts in Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and Dietetics. This collaboration gives me a well-rounded perspective, allowing me to develop practical and effective support plans that draw from a wide range of expertise.

In addition to my work as a PBS practitioner, I’ve spent years volunteering in youth work, helping young people access services and get back on their feet. I’ve also been involved in community development through fundraising, events, and charity basketball games that promote positive engagement in low-socioeconomic areas.

I’m excited to bring my skills, dedication, and compassion to this role, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.

Hi, I’m Neeti, a Behaviour Support Practitioner at Conscious Healthcare SA.

I’m passionate about empowering my participants to improve their quality of life and make decisions that reflect their own hopes and desires. My goal is to create positive changes in their environment that support independence and encourage them to express their choices in a guided and supported way. I believe that every individual should feel included and never left out, and I strive to empower each person I work with to achieve their goals and build a satisfying future.

I bring a strong foundation of knowledge and experience to my role, with a background in Rehabilitation Services (specialising in Rehabilitation Psychology), a Master’s in Applied Psychology, and a Diploma in Guidance and Counselling. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor’s in Education, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and have provisional registration as an Early Childhood Teacher with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia. I’m also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support and have completed training in NDIS-compliant Behaviour Support Plans. I’ve been a member of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia (BSPA) since 2023.

Before moving to Australia, I spent over 16 years as a Special Educator at one of India’s leading schools, where I developed a deep understanding of disability, rehabilitation, and the values of inclusion. My experience has shaped my belief that every behaviour communicates something to us, and it’s important to be attentive in understanding what that is.

I love working with young adults, but I’m comfortable supporting participants of all ages, from 4 to 65. I believe everyone should have a voice in their own life and enjoy the fun, positive aspects of who they are.

Hi, I’m Xin Yu (you can also call me XY or Xin), a Behaviour Support Practitioner at Conscious Healthcare SA.

With 14 years of experience working as an Autism Therapist in Singapore, I’m passionate about supporting individuals with a range of disabilities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Psychology) from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology from James Cook University, and a Positive Behaviour Support module certificate from Monash University. During my career, I’ve specialised in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, OCD, and other learning and mental health challenges, helping individuals aged 7 to 21 develop their strengths and overcome challenges.

Since moving to Adelaide in late 2023, I’ve been supporting NDIS participants, both children and adults, with multiple disabilities and mental health concerns. I take a ‘seek first to understand’ approach, ensuring I get to know each person’s unique strengths, preferences, and differences. By building trusting and open therapeutic relationships, I aim to create support plans that are meaningful and practical, helping you achieve your goals in a way that feels right for you.

I believe that even small wins are worth celebrating and that making a difference, no matter how small, is what keeps me motivated in my work. Whether we’re working on improving everyday life skills or addressing more complex behavioural concerns, I’m committed to supporting you on your journey in a way that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.