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Behavior Support Services in Oregon

ALSO’s Behavior Support Services help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) build greater stability, connection, and confidence in daily life through proactive, person-centered Positive Behavior Support.

An ALSO direct support professional poses with an intellectually disabled client at the ALSO holiday party.

What Are Behavior Support Services?

At ALSO, Behavior Support Services are designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout Oregon live with greater stability, connection, and confidence in their daily lives. Whether someone is navigating communication, stress, sensory experiences, or changes in routine, our team works alongside them to understand what is meaningful and build strategies that support their goals.

Using Positive Behavior Support (PBS), we focus on proactive, skill-building approaches that reduce barriers and create more opportunities for choice, connection, and community participation for people with I/DD.

Our work is grounded in respect, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves a life filled with purpose and belonging.

What Our Behavior Support Services Include

Behavior support professionals at ALSO develop Positive Behavior Supports using a combination of assessment, observation, interviews and rapport building to form a deep understanding of each individual’s experiences and environment and meanings behind their behaviors.

Support services may include the development of one of more of the following:

Support Type What It Is Best For
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) A deeper look at what a behavior is communicating. Understanding root causes
Temporary Emergency Safety Plan (TESP) Short-term strategies for safety and stability Transitions or urgent situations
Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) Proactive guidance for supporting someone before, during, and after moments of distress Ongoing, day to day support

Our behavior support advocates are trained to implement these supports with compassion and consistency, helping create environments where people can feel safe, understood, and supported.

Our Person-Centered Approach

Every person experiences the world differently, which is why Behavior Support should never be one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand each person's strengths, preferences, relationships, and goals so support reflects who they are, not just the challenges they're facing.

Rooted in Choice, Guided by Partnership

We Believe in Choice

We believe every person has the right to make choices about their life and be heard in the process. Person-centered Behavior Support at ALSO is built through collaboration with:

  • The person receiving services
  • Their family or support network
  • Their support services team

Whether the goal is building new routines, navigating change, or finding new ways to communicate needs, we walk alongside each person with consistency, curiosity, and care.

Benefits of Behavior Support

We Believe in Choice

When support is personalized and consistent, meaningful changes can happen. People often experience:

  • Greater stability in daily routines
  • Increased ability to communicate needs and preferences
  • Reduced stress for both the person and their support network
  • Stronger relationships and more positive interactions
  • Increased access to community activities and opportunities
  • Reduction in behaviors that require intervention

Real Stories: Life in ALSO Residential Care

Who Is Eligible for Behavior Support Services?

ALSO’s Behavior Support Services are designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who may benefit from additional support around communication, routine, stress, or navigating daily life.

Contact your county’s Community Developmental Disabilities Program to confirm eligibility and discuss service options. They can guide you through the process and explain any exceptions for waivers or special programs

Who Is Eligible for Behavior Support Services?

How to Get Started with Behavior Support Services in Oregon

If you are exploring Behavior Support Services for yourself or someone you care about, you can reach out to us at info@alsoweb.org or (503) 489-6565. Our team is available to listen, answer questions, and help you understand your options.

Understanding Your Options: Your Choice In Service

All eligible individuals have their choice in behavior professional providers. Speak to your case manager to hear about all the options you have when determining the best provider for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Behavior Support at ALSO

What is Positive Behavior Support (PBS)?

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a proactive, person-centered approach to understanding and addressing behavior. Rather than focusing on consequences, PBS identifies the reasons behind a behavior and builds skills, environments, and strategies that reduce barriers and improve quality of life, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

What is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a process used to understand what a behavior is communicating and is the framework for a positive behavior support plan (PBSP). It looks at patterns, triggers, and environment to identify the underlying need, so effective and compassionate support strategies can be developed. After an FBA is developed, the behavior professional will make recommendations if a PBSP is indicated or not. This process typically takes about 90 days but length of assessment may extend that timeline depending on individual needs and availability.

What is a Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP)?

A Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) is a personalized document developed by a behavior support professional that outlines proactive strategies for supporting someone before, during, and after moments of distress. It is created in collaboration with the person, their family, and their support team.

What is a Temporary Emergency Safety Plan (TESP)?

A Temporary Emergency Safety Plan (TESP) is a short-term strategy used to create safety and stability during transitions or urgent situations, while an FBA is being developed.

Who can receive Behavior Support Services at ALSO?

ALSO’s Behavior Support Services are designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are enrolled in services and may benefit from additional support around communication, routine, stress, or navigating daily life.

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