3 ways that Positive Behavior Support is different from ABA

# 1 What is ABA (Applied behavior analysis)

ABA is one of the most researched approaches used with autistic people and people with developmental disabilities, although many autistic adults have raised concerns about some traditional ABA practices. The ABA model is a field within psychology that focuses on analyzing behavior. ABA  observes and measures behavior in controlled and uncontrolled environments, in order to understand the impact that certain variables have on a behavior of concern. Through these analyses, ABA aims to identify specific variables that are responsible for the change in behavior, before working towards minimizing their impacts. ABA provided a conceptual framework for behavior change, and a number of research-tested assessment and teaching strategies. ABA’s ethos is focused on the individual: it mostly looks at changing the person’s behavior, telling us how things can change.

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What is positive behavior support (PBS)

Positive behavior support (PBS), by contrast, uses a systems-based approach, which aims to improve quality of life at an individual and community level. PBS emerged around 20 years after the ABA model from three major sources: ABA, the inclusion movement and person-centered values. PBS was created in response to concerns about aversive (punishment-based) procedures being used in some behavioral programs. Unlike ABA, the PBS model changes the environment around the person (environmental redesign) to improve their quality of life. Fewer behaviors of concern are a side effect, not the main goal. It focuses more on “environments of concern”. PBS also recognized the need for sustainable outcomes that build helpful skills through positive reinforcement, while reducing or removing aversive, consequence-based strategies. PBS’s ethos looks at developing resilience and skills, but also looks at things at a philosophical and societal level. PBS tells us what needs to change around the person.

Where is there overlap?

Both approaches use a scientific approach to analyzing behavior and share a similar principle, based on an understanding of why, when and how behaviors happen and what purposes they serve (via the use of functional behavior assessment).

#2 ABA focuses on the behavior

ABA places a heavy focus on measurable behaviors. These could be public/visible behaviors (what others can see) and private (what others can’t see, such as thoughts and feelings). Once the function of the behavior is determined, ABA focuses on antecedent strategies. Meaning it addresses the underlying cause/s, before then trying to prevent the behavior from recurring. While this sounds very similar to PBS, the focus stays mostly on the individual. 

For example, if a child’s behavior at school was found to serve an avoidance function, strategies would target that avoidance. Other models, like PBS, would look further at why the child is avoiding the task. Perhaps the task feels too hard, the classroom is too noisy, or the child has lost confidence after past attempts, and that is what leads to avoidance.

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PBS focuses on the environment, the long term and a constructional (skill-building) approach

PBS is a multidisciplinary model, meaning it focuses not only on identifying the ‘function’ of the behavior, but is also values-led. This means PBS places more value on collaboration with key stakeholders, enhanced community participation and building life skills when designing individual support plans. While PBS does use behavior analysis in its data-based assessment processes, it goes two steps further by also building in the values of the inclusion movement and person-centered practice. 

So if we used the same child in the example above, a PBS practitioner would look at what is making the task hard and change the environment first: breaking the task into smaller steps, reducing noise, offering choices or visual supports. The child gets support through the task and the encouragement to feel more confident next time. 

#3 The ABA facets (features)

There are four facets to behavior analysis (ABA):

• Radical behaviorism
• Experimental analysis of behavior 
• Behavior service delivery 
• And applied behavior analysis 

In other words, ABA holds that behavior and its causes can be measured, and that behavior is shaped by genetics and environmental events. 

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The PBS facets (features)

Whereas the positive behavior support model integrates nine features: 

• Comprehensive lifestyle change
• A lifespan perspective 
• Ecological validity
• Stakeholder participation
• Social validity
• Systems change/multicomponent intervention
• Emphasis on prevention
• Flexibility in scientific practices,
• And multiple theoretical perspectives

The intention behind having so many features is to create a cohesive whole approach. 

Positive behavior support vs ABA at a glance:

• Main goal: ABA aims to change specific behaviors. PBS aims to improve quality of life, with fewer behaviors of concern as a result.
• Where change happens: ABA mostly works on the person’s behavior. PBS starts with the environment, routines and supports around the person.
• Who is involved: PBS actively involves the person, their family, school and other supporters in planning.
• Values: PBS is explicitly person-centered and rights-based, and avoids punishment and aversive strategies.

What does PBS for autism look like?

Positive behavior support for autism starts from the idea that behavior is communication. When an autistic child has meltdowns, hurts themselves or others, or can’t get through the school day, a PBS practitioner asks “what is this behavior telling us?” before asking “how do we stop it?”.

In practice, PBS for autism usually involves:

• Getting to know the person: their strengths, interests, sensory needs and how they communicate.
• A functional behavior assessment to understand when, where and why behaviors of concern happen.
• Changing the environment first, such as reducing sensory overload, adding visual schedules, preparing for transitions or lowering demands.
• Teaching skills that meet the same need, like asking for a break, using AAC or recognizing early signs of overwhelm.
• A written behavior support plan that families, schools and support workers all follow consistently.

In Australia, PBS is the framework used for behavior support under the NDIS. NDIS behavior support practitioners write behavior support plans based on PBS, and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees the use of restrictive practices, with the aim of reducing and eliminating them.

PBS vs ABA: which is right for my child?

As Weiss and colleagues point out in the article referenced below, the two approaches share roots, and modern ABA practice varies a lot between providers. Whatever approach you consider, ask:

• Does the program focus on my child’s wellbeing and quality of life, or only on reducing behaviors?
• Will they change the environment and support, not just expect my child to change?
• Do they respect stimming, all forms of communication and my child’s right to say no?
• Am I involved in planning, and will I understand the goals?
• Do they avoid punishment, and are they working to reduce restrictive practices?

I hope this has been helpful!

Here at Autism360, we follow a positive behavior support approach.

Reference: 

• Weiss, M. J., DelPizzo-Cheng, E., LaRue, R. H., & Sloman, K. (2010). ABA and PBS: The dangers in creating artificial dichotomies in behavioral intervention. The Behavior Analyst Today, 10(3-4), 428–439. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100681
  • ABA and PBS: The dangers in creating artificial dichotomies in behavioral intervention. (apa.org)
• Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., Sailor, W., … & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behavior support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of positive behavior interventions, 4(1), 4-16.
  • Positive Behavior Support: Evolution of an Applied Science – Edward G. Carr, Glen Dunlap, Robert H. Horner, Robert L. Koegel, Ann P. Turnbull, Wayne Sailor, Jacki L. Anderson, Richard W. Albin, Lynn Kern Koegel, Lise Fox, 2002 (sagepub.com)

And can we help? 

And if you think an Autism360 positive behavior support practitioner could help you/your child, book a call with us here to discuss the start of your journey with us.