Our Mission
PBSUK embrace and celebrate neurodiversity, recognizing that neurological differences are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. We understand that people experience and interact with the world in unique ways, and are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based support that is tailored to the individual needs of the people we support, including those who are autistic, have a learning disability, and / or those with another neurodivergence.
Our team is made up of professionals who are not only skilled in the field of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) but who are also personally connected to the neurodivergent community. Several of us are neurodivergent, and many of us have family members or friends who are either autistic or neurodivergent. Our personal and professional experiences shape the way we approach our work, and strengthen our commitment to providing person-centred, inclusive support.
We recognise that historically, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), has not always been aligned with the values of neurodiversity. At times, behavioural interventions have been delivered in ways that have either failed to appreciate the needs of neurodivergent individuals or have been harmful to them. However, we have also all seen the use of behavioural principles and procedures result in increased autonomy, and improved quality of life, for people we have supported. We are committed to learning from the history of behavioural science and ensuring that our practices reflect the principles of respect, dignity, and empowerment. This includes continuous reflection and improvement to ensure that the support that we deliver is aligned with the values of neurodivergent communities, as well as engagement with autistic professionals through supervision and coproduction.
Why did we set up PBSUK?
Our mission is simple, ‘To help those with complex needs to flourish’. On this mission we are not planning on leaving anyone out… from individuals to organisations to nations!
But what does it mean to flourish I hear you cry? Well, it is a term used in Positive Psychology and we learned about it from Dr Martin Seligman. So, to help you understand, we are going to paraphrase the man himself:
When you think about those you love, care for or support (and please think about yourself too) would you say yes to:
More positive emotion?
More engagement; with the people we love, in our work, or with our hobbies?
Better relationships with others in our lives?
Feeling a deeper sense of meaning (i.e., a greater sense of belonging, purpose and connection)?
A greater experience of achievement and accomplishment in life?
If you do, then you understand what it is to flourish and therefore, why we have made it our mission.