“Oops, did we include you?” Rethinking PBS through co-production with Steven

Abstract

This paper aims to share the story of a co-produced functional behaviour assessment (FBA) with Steven, a young man who helped us rethink what it really means to involve someone in their own support. Using observation, data collection and analysis, the authors made the process accessible and collaborative by working alongside Steven to ensure it was meaningful and person-led. With shared activities, humour and trust, Steven did not just contribute to his plan; he shaped it. In response to concerns about assumption-driven planning and tokenistic involvement in positive behaviour support (Gore et al., 2022), the authors reimagined the FBA with Steven as a co-designer, guided by functional contextualism to ensure meaning was derived from his perspective (McGill, 1996). His insights changed how we thought about behaviour, communication and what good support looks like. This is not a how-to guide. It is a reflection on what changes when we centre the person from the beginning, and why co-production is essential.