A diagnosis is not a reason to use restrictive practices on a person.

A diagnosis is when health professionals work out what condition or disability someone has.

People can experience conditions and disabilities in different ways.

This means behaviour support practitioners and providers should not just think about a person’s diagnosis.

It is important they also think about:

• what each person can do well
• what a person’s goals are
• what has happened in a person’s life.

Restrictive practices should only be used on a person when they:

• show a behaviour of concern
• put themselves or others in danger.

A diagnosis does not mean a person will show a behaviour of concern.

Positive behaviour support is a way to understand:

• what a person does well
• what a person needs
• a person’s life and experiences.

It means working with:

• the person who needs support
• the people who support them.

People that know the person with disability best have a good idea about what the person needs.

Behaviour support practitioners and providers need to hear from these people.

We have a tool to help understand what supports a person needs.

It is called the Understanding Me tool.

Providers can download it from our website.

Understanding the person helps to provide the right support.

The right support can help them live a good life.