ABA, Behaviour Therapy & Positive Behaviour Support: Decoding the Options

If you are a parent of a child with Autism, ADHD, or developmental delays, you have likely been bombarded with acronyms.

"Have you tried ABA?"
"What about PBS?"
"You need a good Behaviour Therapist."

It can feel like learning a new language while simultaneously trying to navigate the complex world of diagnosis and funding. You want the best for your child—to help them learn, grow, and feel happy—but the debate between different therapy models can be confusing and, at times, overwhelming.

Is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy the gold standard, or is it outdated? How does Positive Behaviour Support fit into the picture? And is Behaviour Therapy just a catch-all term for all of it?

In this guide, we will strip away the jargon. We will explore these three key terms, explain how they relate to one another, and help you make an informed decision about the right support for your family.

What is Behaviour Therapy?

Think of Behaviour Therapy as the umbrella. It is a broad term used to describe any therapeutic intervention that focuses on changing or improving behaviours.

Unlike traditional "talk therapy" (psychotherapy), which focuses on deep-seated emotions and past events, Behaviour Therapy is action-oriented. It looks at the "here and now."

The core philosophy is simple: Behaviour is learned. Therefore, unhelpful behaviours can be "unlearned," and new, helpful behaviours can be taught.

Under the umbrella of Behaviour Therapy, you will find many specific approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

So, when someone says they are a "Behaviour Therapist," it is important to ask: "What specific framework do you use?"

Deep Dive: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy is perhaps the most well-known—and most debated—form of intervention for Autism.

The Science of Learning

ABA is based on the science of learning and behaviour. It looks at how the environment affects behaviour. The core principle is the "ABC" model:

1. Antecedent: What happened before the behaviour? (e.g., The teacher said "clean up.")
2. Behaviour: What did the child do? (e.g., The child threw the toy.)
3. Consequence: What happened after? (e.g., The teacher put the toy away for them.)

By analyzing these patterns, an ABA therapist can identify why a behaviour is happening and how to change it.

Modern ABA vs. Old School ABA

It is crucial to note that Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy has evolved significantly.

• Traditional ABA (Discrete Trial Training): Often involved sitting at a table for hours, repeating drills with flashcards. This rigid approach has been criticized by many in the neurodivergent community.
• Modern / Naturalistic ABA: Today, good ABA is often play-based. It happens on the floor, in the park, or during snack time. It focuses on "natural environment teaching" (NET), following the child's lead and using their interests to teach skills.

Key Goal of ABA: To increase helpful behaviours (like communication and social skills) and decrease harmful behaviours (like aggression) using reinforcement.

The Evolution: Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

If ABA is the science, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is the ethical framework wrapped around it.

PBS emerged from the principles of ABA but with a distinct shift in focus. While traditional ABA sometimes focused on compliance ("Do this because I said so"), Positive Behaviour Support focuses on Quality of Life.

The Human Rights Approach

PBS is built on the belief that behaviour is communication. When a child acts out, they are not being "naughty"; they are trying to tell us something.

• Maybe they are in pain.
• Maybe they are overwhelmed by noise.
• Maybe they don't understand the task.

Instead of just trying to stop the behaviour, a PBS practitioner acts as a detective to solve the problem.

The Three Pillars of PBS

1. Proactive Strategies: Changing the environment to prevent the behaviour. (e.g., If loud noises cause a meltdown, we use noise-canceling headphones before the noise starts.)
2. Skill Building: Teaching the child a better way to get their needs met. (e.g., Teaching them to sign "stop" instead of hitting.)
3. Reinforcement: Celebrating when the child uses the new skill.

In the modern disability sector, particularly under the NDIS in Australia, Positive Behaviour Support is considered the gold standard for managing challenging behaviours because it prioritizes the child's dignity and happiness above all else.

Comparing the Approaches

To help you visualize the difference:

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Behaviour Therapy is a journey. Whether you choose Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Positive Behaviour Support, or a blend of both, the most important factor is the connection between the therapist and your child.

Therapy should not be about changing who your child is. It should be about giving them the tools to navigate the world, communicate their needs, and live a life full of joy and connection.

By understanding these terms, you are already stepping into your power as your child's best advocate.

FAQ: Common Questions for Parents

Is ABA Therapy harmful?

This is a common concern. Historically, some rigid forms of ABA were stressful for children. However, modern, neuro-affirming Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy should never be painful, coercive, or distressing. It should be fun, engaging, and respectful. Always observe a session and trust your gut—if your child looks unhappy, it’s not the right therapy.

Can a therapist do both ABA and PBS?

Yes! In fact, most good PBS practitioners are trained in the principles of ABA. They use the science of ABA to understand the behaviour, but they apply it within the framework of Positive Behaviour Support.

Does the NDIS fund these therapies?

Yes. Both are funded under "Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living." Positive Behaviour Support is also funded under "Improved Relationships" if there are safety risks involved.