Positive Behaviour Support Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder : A Step by Step Guide to Assessing - Managing - Preventing Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder?5 describes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a type of neurodevelopmental disorder, which means there is atypical growth and development of the brain or central nervous system resulting in their abnormal functioning (APA, 2013).  ASD is characterised by difficulties in two domains: (1) social communication and social interaction; and (2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.   Based on the evidenced-based approach of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Behaviour Zen and ASD aims to educate, empower and enable people supporting students with ASD.  Practical strategies on how to design the environment, activity and instructions to facilitate positive changes will be provided.  Use the comprehensive checklists and tools provided to develop PBS plans that can be used to support the student consistently in all settings. This invaluable resource is useful for teachers, parents, early childhood educators, support staff, and mental health, allied health and supervisory professionals who support students with ASD.