Positive behaviour support delivered by telepractice (tele-PBS)

Why

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a much-needed service for children and young people on the autism spectrum. However, for families living in rural and remote Australia, local access to PBS can be limited or non-existent. PBS delivered using video conference technology or telepractice (tele-PBS) has the potential to be an effective way to support autistic children and young people in hard to reach locations.

What are the experiences and outcomes of Australian autistic children and their support teams participating in tele-PBS? How does this compare to their their experiences of face-to-face support?

What adaptations to the service model allows tele-PBS to be delivered effectively to autistic people, and their families and support teams living in rural and remote areas?

The research

We are investigating a tele-PBS service guided by the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, 2019). Children and young people aged 4–17 years and their local support teams are taking part in surveys and interviews to outline the outcomes and their experience of their tele-PBS service. Research participants will also include PBS Practitioners delivering the service, as well as PBS Supervisors and Managers. Read more about participating in this study.

We are also currently recruiting other stakeholders external to Aspect with expertise and experience in the area of tele-PBS. If this is you, we would like to invite you to participate in an interview to discuss your experience and perspectives. The interview will be at a time that suits you. To take part please contact Dr Genevieve Johnsson, Lead Researcher via email gjohnsson@autismspectrum.org.au

The program will be evaluated in collaboration with the University of Sydney Centre for Disability Research and Policy.

Making a difference

This is the first study exploring the outcomes and experiences of Australian autistic children and their support teams participating in tele-PBS services. The insights will provide new information about the benefits and challenges of tele-PBS.

Findings from this study will be used to inform the development of practitioner resources for the delivery of PBS via telepractice. This translation is being funded by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and resources will be available on the Commission website from July 2021.

Research team

Dr Genevieve Johnsson, ARCAP (Lead researcher)

Research partner

Dr Kim Bulkeley, University of Sydney Centre for Disability Research and Policy

Funding

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)