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 investigated 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 completed surveys and interviews about their experience of their tele-PBS service. Research participants also include PBS Practitioners delivering the service, as well as PBS Supervisors and Managers.

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 provided new information about the benefits and challenges of tele-PBS.

Findings from this study were used to inform the development of practitioner resources for the delivery of PBS via telepractice available on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.

Research team

Dr Genevieve Johnsson, Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP)

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

Funding

Aspect