by Dr. Bob Carey One of the things I have learned over many years of working with children, families, and professionals is that the hardest part of helping with challenging behaviour is often not figuring out what might work. The greater challenge is helping the adults around the child use those strategies consistently, confidently, and in ways that actually fit into the realities of everyday life. It is entirely possible to develop an excellent behaviour support plan that ma

When you’re navigating the complex world of challenging behaviours in children, it can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. You want to help, but where do you start? How much will it cost to get the right support? These questions often linger in the back of your mind. Today, I want to walk you through the costs involved in Positive Systems Approach consultations, helping you understand what you’re investing in and why it matters. What Is the Cost

When kids are struggling with behaviour, it can wear you down. You try things, they don’t work, and after a while it just feels like you’re guessing. Most parents I talk to have already tried a lot—reward systems, consequences, talking it through, ignoring it, tightening things up. Some of it helps for a bit, then it stops. Or it works with one situation and not another. That’s usually the point where people start to feel stuck. You don’t have to keep guessing. And you don’t

When you’re navigating the complex world of challenging behaviors in children, finding the right support can feel like searching for a lighthouse in a foggy sea. You want guidance that’s not only expert but also accessible and compassionate. This is where remote family consultants come into play, offering a bridge between professional insight and your everyday life. Let’s explore how these consultants can become a vital part of your journey. Why Consider Remote Family Consult

Before an organization can successfully implement the Positive Systems Approach (PSA), it is vital for everyone involved—staff, managers, and caregivers—to acquire more than just a basic understanding. PSA is not merely a checklist or a behavior plan template. Instead, it represents a profound shift in mindset, language, and the systems shaping daily interactions. Diving into implementation without robust, hands-on training is akin to constructing a house on sand. If staff me

Implementing the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) in caregiving settings offers a transformative path to managing disruptive behaviour. However, resistance to change is a common hurdle. This guide addresses specific concerns caregivers and staff may have and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Understanding Resistance to PSA Resistance often stems from uncertainty, past experiences, or perceived threats to established routines. Recognizing these concerns is the fi

In our book Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach, Terry Kirkpatrick and I emphasize the importance of building supportive systems that proactively shape environments to prevent and manage challenging behaviours. While implementing a Positive Systems Approach (PSA) is a critical first step, understanding whether it’s truly working requires ongoing evaluation through meaningful metrics. Why Measure Success in PSA? In traditional behaviour management,

In the realm of positive behaviour support systems, achieving consistency and commitment is essential for meaningful change. This isn’t just the responsibility of individuals within the system—it must also be built into the system itself. The challenge comes when an individual requiring support interacts with a wide variety of caregivers, such as part-time staff, weekend relief workers, and family members. The lack of consistency among these different people can make it diffi

When working with individuals facing behavioural challenges, there’s an opportunity to transform potential negative events into positive interactions. One key approach that has been incorporated into Positive Systems Approach (PSA) was championed by Dr. John McGee using a process which he termed “Gentle Teaching”. The goal is to teach the value of human presence, leading to active participation, and finally, reward. By focusing on compassion, respect, and patience, caregiver

Introduction In the realm of clinical psychology and behaviour analysis, understanding the complexities behind behavioural challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing these challenges necessitates a thorough understanding of both observable behaviours and the underlying psychological, social, and biological factors. This blog is based upon material from Chapter 5: Individual Factors in Positive Systems Approach: Identification in the book: Managing Disruptiv

In the realm of caregiving and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, the dynamics of power and control play a crucial role in shaping the quality of relationships and the overall well-being of those involved. These relationships, often characterized by dependency and vulnerability, require a nuanced understanding of how power dynamics can influence interactions and outcomes. Understanding Power and Control Dynamics Power and control are fundamental aspects

Trauma can have profound effects on individuals, and this is especially true for those with developmental disabilities. Many people in this community have experienced significant trauma, which often manifests in challenging behaviours. Understanding and addressing these behaviours requires a compassionate and informed approach, such as the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) described in the book "Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach." Below is a brief

Supporting Persons with Challenging Behaviours: A Positive Systems Approach with Cultural Considerations When supporting individuals with challenging behaviors, employing a Positive Systems Approach is crucial for fostering effective and empathetic support. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and integrating cultural considerations into the assessment and treatment processes. Here, we explore key cultural factors—language and communication, cultural belie

Challenging behaviours can significantly impact the lives of individuals, their families, and the communities they live in. When it comes to managing and mitigating these behaviours, developing comprehensive support plans is essential. However, focusing solely on the individual without considering the broader system factors can lead to incomplete and ineffective solutions. In their book "Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach," Dr. Carey and Terry Kir

At popular request, I have completed a PSA Checklist that allows you or your agency to rate how you are doing in implementing a PSA approach to support each individual. This Checklist gives you a numerical rating score for each PSA component and a Total Score which will tell you how much more work (if any) that you need to do! Good luck!