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services Overview Clinical Services Video Conference our approach Positive System Approach Individual Factors System Factors making a referral Process Forms FAQ	Positive Systems Approach What is PSA? Positive Systems Approach is a psycho-social model of supporting individuals with developmental handicaps who present challenging behaviours. PSA was developed in the early 1980's in response to a disturbing trend where certain uni-dimensional 'treatment' approaches have been offered and marketed as some sort of panacea. In reality, there is usually some useful and relevant prescriptive advice contained in all of these approaches. It is often difficult for community professionals, consumers of service, families and advocates to sift through the rhetoric and different approaches. Positive Systems Approach (PSA) represents an amalgamation of different aspects of some of the major approaches that are currently in popular use. This approach was gradually developed by the behavioural consultants that were involved in collaboration with many different community agencies trying to solve the puzzle of challenging behaviours without resorting to punishment or admission of individuals to institutional settings. In simplistic terms it is best described as a combination of positive approaches borrowed from applied behaviour analysis, systems theory and, throughout the whole process, incorporating a value system that is similar to that espoused in 'Gentle Teaching' philosophy. For lack of a better name, it was dubbed 'Positive Systems Approach'.

Home | Contact Us | Search | Site Map

services

Overview
Clinical Services
Video Conference

our approach

Positive System Approach
Individual Factors
System Factors

making a referral

Process
Forms
FAQ

Positive Systems Approach

What is PSA?

Positive Systems Approach is a psycho-social model of supporting individuals with developmental handicaps who present challenging behaviours.

PSA was developed in the early 1980's in response to a disturbing trend where certain uni-dimensional 'treatment' approaches have been offered and marketed as some sort of panacea. In reality, there is usually some useful and relevant prescriptive advice contained in all of these approaches.

It is often difficult for community professionals, consumers of service, families and advocates to sift through the rhetoric and different approaches. Positive Systems Approach (PSA) represents an amalgamation of different aspects of some of the major approaches that are currently in popular use.

This approach was gradually developed by the behavioural consultants that were involved in collaboration with many different community agencies trying to solve the puzzle of challenging behaviours without resorting to punishment or admission of individuals to institutional settings.

In simplistic terms it is best described as a combination of positive approaches borrowed from applied behaviour analysis, systems theory and, throughout the whole process, incorporating a value system that is similar to that espoused in 'Gentle Teaching' philosophy. For lack of a better name, it was dubbed 'Positive Systems Approach'.