At Bounce Back Co, we’re passionate about creating a world where positive behaviour support (PBS) celebrates neurodiversity. We've been on a mission for a long time now to show you how PBS and neurodiversity-affirming practice can be synonymous with one another! Historically, behaviour support has been rooted in compliance and normalisation, often missing the opportunity to honour the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. For us, it’s about taking the time to reflect and ensure that our practices not only meet the needs of those we support but also respect their individuality and dignity.
Why Behaviour Support Has Not Been Neurodiversity-Affirming
Some behaviour support approaches often focus on modifying observable behaviours through reinforcement techniques and teaching strategies. While this might bring about short-term results, it frequently fails to address the underlying needs or experiences of the person. For instance, methods like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) have faced significant criticism for emphasising compliance over connection and overlooking the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals (Milton, 2012; Kapp, 2020).
This disconnect often stems from:
Pathologising Differences: Treating neurodivergent traits as deficits rather than natural variations in human diversity.
Power Imbalances: Applying interventions without genuine collaboration, which can disempower individuals and families.
Outcome-Driven Focus: Prioritizing measurable outcomes like reduced meltdowns over emotional well-being, autonomy, and authenticity.
At Bounce Back Co, we’re dedicated to shifting this narrative toward approaches that respect and celebrate neurodivergence.
The Importance of Critical Reflection
At Bounce Back Co, we believe in stepping back and reflecting deeply on how we support those in our care. Taking the time to critically reflect allows us to:
Challenge Assumptions: Recognize and address any biases or outdated practices.
Empower Autonomy: Shift the focus from controlling behaviour to truly understanding and supporting individual needs.
Adapt Approaches: Embrace flexibility and creativity, acknowledging that no single method works for everyone.
Understanding 'neurotypes', which are often influenced by a person’s diagnosis, provides valuable insight into their specific needs, preferences, and strengths. Understanding and tailoring support to these neurotypes helps us create meaningful, personalised strategies that truly align with the person’s lived experience.
Upstream and Downstream Models: Bridging the Gap
Dr. Ross Greene’s concept of upstream and downstream models provides a powerful framework for understanding and supporting behaviour. At Bounce Back Co, we see this approach as central to creating neurodiversity-affirming Positive Behaviour Support.
Upstream Models: These focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of behaviours. Dr. Greene often describes this as “getting out of the water” to find out what pushed the person in. These models emphasises understanding each person's unique neurotype, including brain, nervous system, and sensory system functioning. Behaviour is seen as a signal of underlying challenges, we call these the 'smoke signals', that require a deep understanding of the individual and how they experience their environment.
Downstream Models: These address behaviours once they have occurred and focus on collecting data (Eg, ABC or antecedent, behaviour, consequence data) to understand the functions of behaviour, to create proactive and reactive responses in the moment. While very helpful and necessary in some situations, these approaches are less effective for achieving long-term change and can harm or traumatisse the individuals involved by failing to address their underlying needs.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Positive Behaviour Support
At Bounce Back Co, we believe Positive Behaviour Support can (and should!) align with neurodiversity-affirming principles. To achieve this, we:
Focus on Strengths: Highlight and build on the individual’s unique abilities rather than focusing solely on challenges.
Collaborate Meaningfully: Involve individuals and their families in designing and implementing support plans that reflect their goals and values.
Adopt a Holistic Approach: Consider sensory, emotional, and environmental factors that influence behaviour.
Stay Context-Aware: Understand the impact of cultural, social, and systemic factors on neurodivergent individuals and their families.
By balancing upstream and downstream models, we aim to create a framework that empowers individuals, respects their autonomy, and fosters meaningful and lasting change - we call this the Bounce Back Method!
Conclusion
Making behaviour support neurodiversity-affirming is both possible and essential. By reflecting on our practices and integrating frameworks like Dr. Ross Greene’s upstream and downstream models, we can create approaches that are inclusive, compassionate, and impactful. At Bounce Back Co, we’re committed to moving beyond compliance-driven methods and building a future where neurodivergent individuals feel supported, valued, and celebrated.
References
Milton, D. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: The "double empathy problem." Disability & Society, 27(6), 883-887.
Kapp, S. K. (2020). Autistic community and the neurodiversity movement: Stories from the frontline. Springer.
Greene, R. W. (2014). The Explosive Child. HarperCollins.
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