Positive Systems Approach

System Factors

Flexibility

• Addressing the need of the system to be flexible to the needs of the individual in important areas such as: staffing, day program requirements, living arrangements.

Perseverance & Tolerance

• Challenging individuals will require considerable commitment and perseverance on the behalf of the agency that is providing the supports. There needs to be a recognition that crises and challenges are going to occur on a regular basis with some individuals and rather than give up or look for an easy and passive approach to the problem (e.g. – medication, admission to hospital) that we need to persevere in exploring additional resources that might assist.
• We also need to be more tolerant in recognizing that some behaviour may be a long-standing and entrenched part of a personality or communication strategy as well as an inherent part of a specific syndrome or disorder (e.g. – autism) and may always be present in this individual to some degree.

Consistency

• This involves finding ways to develop a consistent interactional approach amongst all the caregivers that have contact with the individual. Lack of consistency in approach is one of the biggest problems that we face as it frequently leads to confusion and may even inadvertently reinforce the very behaviours that we are trying to reduce.

Portability

• This addresses the need for a Positive Systems Approach to move between all of the different environments that an individual functions in.

Intensity

• This involves finding ways to provide the required levels of resources and human interactions when they are most needed.

Change

• This involves examining ways to change the stimulus conditions that are precipitating the behaviours (using stimulus change and stimulus control techniques);
• Finding ways through advocacy and management to achieve changes in the individual’s support system.

Team Health

• Agency, Team and Individual level - addressing ways to foster a spirit of cooperation and team between all caregivers to maximize consistency and opportunities to make the required changes. This factor discusses the importance of developing a “core team” as well as the advantages of support circles for some individuals.