Case Study Spotlight: How One Family Transformed Chaos into Calm with PSA

Ethan’s behaviour was creating concerns both at home and at his daycare.

If he was told “no,” or asked to wait, he would scream, bite himself, or collapse on the floor in frustration.  In social situations, like soccer practice, he often hid behind his father’s leg, crying uncontrollably. At home, simple requests like “time to clean up” could spiral into chaos.

Sarah described it perfectly:

“We felt like nothing worked — we tried being supportive as well as timeouts, threats, even reasoning. We were exhausted.”

That’s when they began working with a clinician trained in the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) — a model that looks beyond the surface of behaviour to understand the whole child and the systems around them.

What follows is their story — how they turned anxiety and chaos into calm, connection, and growth by addressing both Individual and System Factors through PSA.

1. Identification (Individual Factor #1): Seeing the Meaning Behind the Meltdowns

The first step was to understand why Ethan’s behaviour was happening.Using a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FAB), Sarah and Mark tracked the “ABC” patterns — Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence — over two weeks.

They discovered:

• Antecedents: Being told to wait, transitions between preferred and non-preferred activities, unexpected changes, or pressure to perform (like at sports).

• Behaviour: Crying, self-biting, hiding, yelling, or refusing.

• Consequences: Parents comforting him, giving him what he wanted to calm him, or avoiding stressful activities.

The pattern was clear:  Ethan’s outbursts were a way to escape stress and regain control when he felt anxious or overwhelmed.

Once the family could see the function of the behaviour — not just the form — they could finally begin to help him.

2. Reinforcement (Individual Factor #2): Building Motivation Around Success

PSA emphasizes reinforcing what you want more of, not just reacting to what you don’t.

Ethan’s parents created a simple reward menu and token system for positive moments — using praise, hugs, and small tokens he could exchange for playtime or special family activities.

For example:

• Calm waiting earned stickers.

• Joining group play, even for a few minutes, earned tokens.

• When he used words like “I need help” instead of melting down, he got immediate praise.

Sarah said:

“We stopped waiting for big wins. We celebrated every small step — and that changed everything.”

Within weeks, Ethan began asking for “help time” instead of crying when frustrated.

3. Re-Direction & Coping (Individual Factors #3–4): Teaching What to Do Instead

Instead of just saying “stop,” Ethan’s parents learned to teach him alternative responses.

Together, they practiced:

• “Calm body” routines — squeezing a soft ball or taking three “rocket breaths.”

• Simple waiting games — “Let’s count to ten together while we wait for the snack.”

• Choice-based coping — “Do you want to hold my hand or stand next to me?” when he felt anxious in crowds.

Over time, Ethan’s biting reduced dramatically — because his parents replaced the behaviour, not just reprimanded it.

4. Communication (Individual Factor #5): Turning Meltdowns Into Messages

PSA teaches that behaviour is communication.

When Ethan hid behind his dad’s leg at soccer practice, the team reframed the moment:

“He’s not being defiant — he’s telling us he’s scared.”

They built a visual cue system — a small picture card that let Ethan signal “I need a break.”

He practiced using it at home and soon began showing  (or verbalizing it) it at practice instead of crying.

 This small shift helped Ethan feel understood — and it gave the adults a roadmap for support rather than punishment.

5. Relationship & Rapport (Individual Factor #6): Connection Before Correction

Ethan’s parents made a conscious effort to rebuild trust around his toughest moments.Instead of scolding during meltdowns, they used calm, reassuring language:

“You’re having a hard time. We’re here to help you.”

This consistent empathy reinforced Ethan’s belief that his parents were in his corner, and they were his allies in calming down.

6. Stimulation (Individual Factor #7): Managing the Environment

Evenings were the worst — too much noise, screen time, and transition chaos.The PSA plan included environmental adjustments:

• A calmer pre-dinner routine with dimmer lighting and no screens.

• Predictable countdowns before transitions (“Five minutes until cleanup,” “Two minutes left”).

• A “quiet corner” with sensory tools where Ethan could regroup.

Once the environment changed, Ethan’s behaviour followed.

Addressing the System Factors: Healing the Family Ecosystem

PSA doesn’t stop at the child — it transforms the whole system around them.

1. Flexibility

Sarah and Mark stopped demanding instant obedience and started allowing small choices (“Do you want to clean up blocks or cars first?”).

This restored Ethan’s sense of control and reduced defiance.

2. Perseverance & Tolerance

They accepted that progress would be slow and non-linear. Bad days weren’t failures — they were feedback.Instead of reacting to setbacks, they tracked triggers and stayed consistent.

3. Consistency

Before PSA, Sarah would comfort while Mark set firm limits — sending mixed signals.Through coaching and working with their daycare provider, they developed a shared plan so their responses aligned every time.

Ethan began to trust the pattern — and predictability made him feel safe.

4. Portability

Strategies weren’t confined to home.The family taught grandparents and Ethan’s daycare worker the same visual cues and reinforcement plan, creating seamless support across environments.

5. Intensity

The family increased positive intensity — more hugs, laughter, and playtime.As Dr. Carey writes, “Overwhelm your child with calm, kind connection.”They learned that the antidote to chaos wasn’t more control — it was more connection.

6. Change

They introduced “small surprises” — like family walks before dinner — to reframe transitions as fun, not dreaded.

Change became a tool for flexibility, not a trigger.

7. Family Health

Finally, Sarah and Mark worked on strengthening their relationship.They scheduled weekly “parent check-ins,” supported each other, and made space for rest.

By caring for their own emotional health, they could show up calm and grounded for Ethan.

The Outcome: From Chaos to Calm

Within three months, Ethan’s biting and self-harm disappeared.Tantrums were shorter and less intense.At soccer practice, he no longer hid — he joined the warm-up with a shy smile.

But the biggest change wasn’t just Ethan’s behaviour.It was the family system.

Mealtimes became peaceful. Waiting was no longer a battle.Sarah said: “We used to walk on eggshells. Now we walk into the room smiling.”

The Positive Systems Approach didn’t just fix the behaviour — it restored balance, confidence, and hope.

Takeaway for Parents

If your child’s behaviour feels like chaos, start by asking:

• What is this behaviour trying to tell me?

• How can I teach, not just react?

• How can I strengthen the system around my child?

When families shift from control to connection — from punishment to teaching — calm doesn’t just return. It becomes the new normal.