Positive Behaviour Social Training (PBST) is a proactive approach that focuses on teaching pro-social alternatives to challenging behaviors. Neurologically, this involves strengthening the prefrontal-amygdala pathway, which helps in modulating emotional impulses during social interactions. In our Al Nahda sessions, we emphasize “Catching them being good,” which utilizes the dopaminergic reward system to reinforce social successes, making the child more likely to choose “kindness” or “sharing” in the future.
This training is particularly effective for the multicultural landscape of the UAE. Children in Dubai schools interact with peers from dozens of backgrounds; PBST provides a “universal language” of social expectations. We focus on social cues, body language, and conversational turn-taking, ensuring that the child feels equipped to join a group at a park in Sharjah or participate in a team project at school without feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood.
The “Positive Post-It” Challenge
Start a “Positive Post-It” board in your kitchen. Every time you see your child perform a pro-social act (like sharing a snack or waiting their turn for the elevator), write it on a sticky note and put it on the board. At the end of the week, read them all together. This visual representation of “good choices” builds a powerful positive self-image and reinforces the social training we do in the clinic.
Specialist FAQ
- Is this only for children with autism? PBST is beneficial for any child who struggles with social anxiety, ADHD, or simply needs extra support in navigating peer relationships.
- How do you teach “sharing” to a toddler? We use “timed turns” and “trading” games to show that giving something up is temporary and leads to a positive social outcome.
- Can these skills be used in school? We often collaborate with Dubai and Sharjah schools to ensure the social goals we work on in Al Nahda are supported in the classroom.
Watch your child blossom socially with our evidence-based training; come see us at Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre, Al Nahda 2, Dubai, or give us a call at 0507548629.
