Sometimes all it takes is one small change to make an impact, and that is exactly what happened with Kristy worked with Jake*, a 30 year old male. Jake had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as well as depression and anxiety. In addition to this, he had also experienced an extensive history of trauma and had abused substances as a coping mechanism. When Behaviour Support Practitioner Kristy met Jake, he was in a state of crisis. Today however, he is thriving and it all started with one powerful idea.

His days would include him being isolated at home disconnected from family and friends, and facing the risk of losing his housing due to repeated incidents involving neighbours and guests. He had stopped engaging with any services – he’d never had a Behaviour Support Plan, and he routinely turned away support workers, cleaners, and therapists.

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner Kristy quickly recognised that Jake wasn’t just struggling – he was stuck. “He had no purpose, no goals, and no sense of direction,” she said. But she also saw potential.

During their early conversations, Kristy noticed Jake often mentioned spending time at his local pub. Rather than discourage this, she saw an opportunity. She suggested that if he was there at closing time, maybe he could help out – clearing glasses, wiping tables. Jake agreed.

That small step led to something bigger. With Kristy’s encouragement, Jake asked the pub if they had any jobs going. They did – and he got one.

That job became the turning point. With a bit of income and a new sense of purpose, Jake began to transform. He started fishing, bought his own gear, and began catching public transport independently. He took up rollerblading and ice skating, and even tried out for an ice hockey team – his first real step toward building positive social connections.

His substance abuse dropped significantly. He began decorating his home, engaging with his support worker three days a week, and – most importantly – he received no further warnings about his housing.

Just two months later, Jake took another leap. Inspired by his progress, he applied for a full-time job at a new company. He now works five days a week, from 6am to 4pm, and has really found purpose in his new role.

“The ripple effect of one small change has touched every part of Jake’s life,” Kristy said. “He’s gone from surviving to thriving – and it all started with a simple suggestion and a belief in his potential.”

Jake’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we meet people where they are, listen without judgment, and support them to take that first step.

Positive Behaviour Support is designed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of certain behaviours of concern. Our Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners are degree qualified and work closely with you and your support networks to identify the behaviours and develop evidence-based approaches to manage them. At LiveBig, we believe that together we do more. If you’d like to work with one of LiveBig’s experienced clinicians to reach your goals, find out how here.

*Jake’s name has been changed due to privacy reasons.