Introduction:
Communication is a fundamental aspect of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Many challenging behaviours arise when individuals struggle to express their needs, wants, or feelings. By focusing on communication development, PBS helps individuals learn how to express themselves effectively, reducing frustration and improving overall quality of life.
The Role of Communication in Behaviour
Communication challenges often lead to behaviours that are perceived as problematic because the individual is unable to express themselves in other ways. By developing effective communication skills, individuals are empowered to interact more positively with others, reducing the need for challenging behaviours.
Types of Communication Skills Taught in PBS
Verbal Communication:
Teaching individuals to use words and sentences to express their needs and desires. This might involve speech therapy, language development activities, or the use of simple verbal prompts.
Non-Verbal Communication:
For individuals who are non-verbal or have limited speech, PBS might focus on developing non-verbal communication skills, such as using gestures, facial expressions, or communication devices.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC):
AAC systems, such as picture boards or speech-generating devices, can be used to help individuals communicate more effectively when verbal communication is limited or not possible.
Social Communication:
Teaching skills for engaging in social interactions, such as greeting others, taking turns in conversation, and understanding social cues.
Strategies for Developing Communication Skills
Modeling:
Demonstrating desired communication behaviours so that the individual can observe and imitate them.
Prompting and Reinforcement:
Providing prompts to encourage the use of communication skills and reinforcing successful attempts with praise or rewards.
Functional Communication Training (FCT):
Teaching individuals specific communication skills that serve the same function as their challenging behaviours, such as asking for a break instead of acting out.
Consistency in Communication:
Ensuring that all members of the support network use the same language, cues, and communication tools to reinforce learning.
The Impact of Communication Development on Behaviour
As communication skills improve, individuals are better able to express their needs and interact positively with others. This leads to a reduction in challenging behaviours, as the individual no longer needs to resort to problematic actions to be understood.
Related Element:
Interested in how AAC can support communication development? Explore our guide on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).
How to Access Communication Development Services
At Affective Care, we offer specialized services focused on communication development as part of our Positive Behaviour Support program. Contact us today to learn how we can help enhance communication skills and improve quality of life.
