Explore the resources and useful links that align with the Positive Systems Approach. Enhance your learning experience.  Enrich your understanding and broaden your perspective with additional resources designed to support your journey towards mastering this transformative approach.

​

Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS) - Provides resources, research, and training related to positive behavior support.

Website: https://www.apbs.org

 

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Center - Offers tools and resources for implementing PBIS in various settings.

Website: https://www.pbis.org

 

Center for the Collaborative Classroom - Focuses on social-emotional learning and positive classroom management strategies.

Website: https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org

 

The ARC - Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting positive behavior support.

Website: https://www.thearc.org

 

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Provides resources and advocacy for special education professionals, including positive behavior interventions.

Website: https://www.cec.sped.org

 

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) - Offers resources and guidelines on positive behavioral interventions and supports in educational settings.

Website: https://www.nasponline.org

 

Positive Discipline Association - Focuses on positive discipline techniques for parents, educators, and community leaders.

Website: https://www.positivediscipline.org

 

Zero to Three - Provides resources on early childhood development, including positive behavior guidance techniques.

Website: https://www.zerotothree.org

 

Child Mind Institute - Offers insights and resources on child development and behavioral health, including positive approaches.

Website: https://www.childmind.org

 

The Positive Psychology Center (University of Pennsylvania) - Focuses on the science of positive psychology, which aligns with promoting positive behavior.

Website: https://www.positivepsychology.org

 

Positive Behaviour Support Europe Network (PBS Europe Network)
Aims to promote academic achievement and socio-emotional well-being of all students through positive behavior support strategies.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/871636236619832/ 

 

School-wide Positive Behavior Supports (SWPBS) in Norway
Implemented as N-PALS, this model focuses on reducing problem behavior and improving classroom climate in Norwegian schools.
Research Article 

 

National Positive Behaviour Support (National PBS)
Provides psychology services and positive behaviour support across Australia, aiming to inspire purpose and empowerment for individuals within their community.
Website: https://www.nationalpbs.com.au/ 

 

FRIENDS Resilience Programs
Developed by Professor Paula Barrett, these programs aim to increase social and emotional skills, promote resilience, and prevent anxiety and depression across various age groups.
Program Overview 

 

Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) – Asia-West Pacific
AVP conducts workshops in countries like Hong Kong, Korea, and New Zealand, focusing on conflict transformation and nonviolent resolution skills.
AVP International 

​

Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) – Latin America
Active in countries such as Brazil and Mexico, AVP offers programs aimed at reducing violence through community-based workshops.
AVP International 

 

World Association of Children's Friends (AMADE)
Founded by Princess Grace of Monaco, AMADE operates through a network in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, supporting the development, education, and health of children worldwide.
AMADE Overview 

​

Autism Speaks – https://www.autismspeaks.org

Provides information about autism, advocacy, research, and resources for individuals and families.

 

Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) –  https://autisticadvocacy.org

A nonprofit run by and for autistic individuals, focusing on self-advocacy, rights, and inclusion.

 

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) –  https://aane.org

Offers support and training for individuals, parents, and professionals.

 

Neurodiversity Hub –  https://www.neurodiversityhub.org

Provides career and workplace support for neurodivergent individuals.

 

Integrate Autism Employment Advisors – https://www.integrateadvisors.org

Helps autistic individuals navigate the workplace and find meaningful employment.

 

Autism @ Work –  https://www.autismatwork.org

A global initiative focused on creating job opportunities for autistic individuals.

​

Embrace Autism – https://embrace-autism.com

 

Offers detailed insights into autism, mental health, relationships, and self-improvement.

​​

The Autistic Advocate – https://theautisticadvocate.com

A blog and resource hub written by an autistic self-advocate, focusing on lived experiences.

 

Neuroclastic – https://neuroclastic.com

A nonprofit featuring personal stories, research, and advocacy written by autistic individuals.

​

Helping Survivors:  https://helpingsurvivors.org

Helping Survivors works to educate and empower individuals impacted by sexual abuse. This website provides information, connections, and resources to help survivors seek accountability and healing.

​​

A Special Needs Guide for Families of Children with Autism:  https://elevators.com/a-special-needs-guide-for-families-of-children-with-autism/.  Includes resources and links to other useful sites such as:  https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-to-autism/

​​

Tips on Creating and Powering Small Groups for Positive Behavioural Intervention:  

"In addition to providing a safe space to learn and practice new skills, participating in a small group can increase a student’s sense of belonging in the school, nurturing a culture of inclusivity and connection."

https://schoolcounselingmasters.org/pbis-intervention/

​​

Talking to Children About Cancer:  

A cancer diagnosis can be very difficult for a family system to navigate and this can be an underlying cause to children acting out.   It can be especially difficult to tell your child that their loved one has terminal cancer. That said, there are many ways to support your children as they face the challenge of a sick loved one. Learn more about tips you can use when talking to your children about cancer by going to this website:  https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/resources/children/

​

Additional Resources that might be helpful: 

​

Coping with Bullying:  Lawfirm.com:   https://www.lawfirm.com/birth-injury/special-needs-and-bullying/

Bullying can happen to any child, but children with special needs are at an increased risk. Some children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to harassment and may lack the social and cognitive skills to deal with it when targeted. Learning that your child is being bullied can be upsetting, but help and support are available. This website provides tips, tools, and resources for addressing bullying of your special needs child.

 

​​Effects of Trauma on Children:  Farah & Farah Law Firm.  Providing resources regarding the effects of trauma on children and adolescents (specifically stemming from accidents).  "Mental Effects on Children and Adolescents After a Car Crash".  https://farahandfarah.com/traumatic-accidents-mental-health/

​

Dealing with Underage Drinking:  Brown & Crouppen Law Firm:   Brown & Crouppen provide a useful article on underage drinking outlining its serious health, social, and academic risks while stressing that parental involvement, open communication, and supervision can greatly reduce those risks. It encourages ongoing, judgment-free conversations, awareness of peer and social media influences, and creating safe, supportive environments. This aligns with the Positive Systems Approach by emphasizing proactive, relationship-based parenting that focuses on connection, guidance, and building a child’s capacity for positive choices within their broader social system.  https://www.brownandcrouppen.com/underage-drinking-and-its-dangers/

​

Impacts of Traumatic Brain Injury:  Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers:  Consistent with the premise of "What if it's not Just The Behaviour"?, this website link provides valuable resources regarding the impact that Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can have in presenting mental health and behavioural issues.  It is often unrecognized and can be particularly problematic for children and their developing brains.  As the authors explain:  "Brain trauma can be especially damaging to children and their developing brains. TBIs often affect a child differently from an adult, even if the same part of the brain is affected. The impacts of an injury can also be much more severe.  What’s more, younger children may struggle to communicate their symptoms, which can make diagnosis more difficult. After an accident, caregivers can watch injured children for signs that they are struggling with their balance, falling behind in school, having more emotional outbursts, or experiencing changes in their sleep patterns."  Learn more at:  https://cooperhurley.com/how-trauma-affects-the-brain/

​

CerebralPalsyGuide.com  aligns strongly with the Positive Systems Approach by emphasizing individualized, strengths-based education, collaborative planning, and environmental supports that help children succeed within their learning systems. Like PSA, this resource recognizes that meaningful progress comes from adapting the system around the child — not simply trying to “fix” behaviour — and promotes proactive, compassionate, and team-based support.  Learn more at:  https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/community/special-education/

​

Special Needs Travel Tips:  This resource aligns closely with the Positive Systems Approach by emphasizing proactive planning, environmental supports, and system-level preparation rather than placing responsibility solely on the individual. The article highlights the importance of researching accessibility features, communicating needs in advance, coordinating with service providers, and structuring travel environments to reduce stress and barriers. In keeping with PSA principles, it demonstrates how changing the system — not the person — creates better outcomes, supporting safety, predictability, and positive participation for travelers with diverse needs.  https://www.hotelsone.com/blog/special-needs-travel-tips/

​

Child Sexual Abuse Resources:   This resource provides clear, practical information for parents and caregivers about child sexual abuse—what it is, common signs and symptoms, risk factors, and what to do if you suspect abuse or grooming. It emphasizes safe, supportive communication with children, non-judgmental listening, and the importance of reporting suspected abuse to the proper authorities. It also addresses power dynamics that enable abuse and offers guidance on treatment and support for survivors.   This resource aligns with the Positive Systems Approach by focusing on environmental and relational factors rather than placing the burden on the child. It encourages adults to create safe, attentive systems of care—recognizing patterns of harm, understanding influences like power dynamics, and taking structured, informed action to prevent further trauma. The emphasis on supportive communication, external reporting mechanisms, and survivor assistance reflects PSA’s core principle of shaping environments and relationships to support well-being and safety rather than expecting individuals to manage complex system failures alone.   https://www.oslundlegal.com/child-sexual-abuse-resources/

​

Impact of Children Sexual Abuse:  Cordisco & Saile, LLC.   This website provides some valuable information on the impact of childhood sexual abuse.  Website: https://www.cordiscosaile.com/navigating-child-sex-abuse/"

​

Helping Children Cope with Cancer in the Family:  This website aligns well with the Positive Systems approach as it emphasizes clear, supportive, strengths-focused guidance for family communication at one of the most difficult moments in life. The article doesn’t just provide clinical facts about mesothelioma; it offers practical, age-appropriate strategies for helping children understand and cope with adult cancer — affirming children’s emotional experiences, encouraging honest dialogue, reducing fear, and supporting family resilience. It reflects key PSA values such as respecting individual needs, improving communication, attending to emotional wellbeing and support systems, and fostering adaptive, strength-based responses rather than avoidance or denial (e.g., encouraging openness, emotional validation, and supportive routines).This resource complements the ethos of  Positive Systems approach by helping families build supportive environments in times of crisis, valuing emotional expression, and empowering caregivers with evidence-based tools to promote psychological wellbeing.   Website:  https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/talking-to-kids-about-cancer/

​

Public Transportation Safety Guide for Kids:  This practical resource provides parents with age-appropriate strategies for teaching children how to use public transportation safely and confidently. It emphasizes proactive preparation, clear communication, and skill-building rather than reactive discipline. Topics include safety awareness, handling emergencies, understanding boundaries, and helping children develop independence while staying protected. This guide complements a Positive Systems Approach by focusing on environmental supports, prevention strategies, and empowering children with the tools they need to navigate real-world situations successfully.  Website:  https://www.dibellalawoffice.com/public-transportation-safety-guide-for-kids/

​

Coping with Overdose Grief:  The Pinnacle Peak Recovery article is highly consistent with the Positive Systems Approach outlined in What If It’s Not Just Behaviour? in that it understands grief after overdose loss as a meaningful, contextual response rather than a pathological condition to be treated or suppressed. The article normalizes complex emotional reactions, avoids blame or stigmatizing language, and acknowledges the broader relational and social systems—such as family dynamics, trauma history, and societal stigma—that shape the grieving process. In doing so, it reflects PSA’s core principles of viewing behavior and emotion as communication, prioritizing compassion and psychological safety, and supporting healing through connection and understanding rather than control or correction. This systems-oriented, non-pathologizing stance aligns closely with PSA’s emphasis on changing the environment and relational response to distress as the primary pathway to sustainable healing.   Website:  https://www.pinnaclepeakrecovery.com/finding-your-way-through-grief-after-overdose-loss/

​

Child Safety:  Consistent with a Positive Systems Approach, the child safety resource page on Sieben Polk Law Firm focuses on prevention, awareness, and practical strategies to reduce risk and protect children from harm. Rather than concentrating only on litigation, the site provides educational guidance for parents and caregivers about supervision, communication, environmental safeguards, and recognizing warning signs. These prevention-oriented tools align closely with PSA’s emphasis on strengthening systems around children, increasing adult vigilance, and building protective structures that reduce the likelihood of abuse or injury.  Website:  https://www.siebenpolklaw.com/child-safety-tips/

​