A Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner may ask about your likes and dislikes as part of their assessment and intervention process for several reasons:

1. Person-centered approach: Understanding an individual’s likes and dislikes helps the behaviour support practitioner develop interventions that are tailored to the person’s preferences and interests. This person-centered approach promotes individual choice, autonomy, and a sense of control over their environment.
2. Motivation and engagement: Knowing what a person enjoys and finds pleasurable allows the practitioner to incorporate those activities or rewards into the behaviour support plan. By using preferred activities or items as motivators, the practitioner can increase the person’s engagement and willingness to participate in interventions.
3. Reinforcement and rewards: Positive reinforcement is a fundamental principle in behaviour support. By identifying the person’s likes and preferences, the practitioner can use those as rewards for desired behaviours. This can help to reinforce positive behaviours and encourage their repetition.
4. Reducing negative triggers: Similarly, knowing an individual’s dislikes helps the practitioner identify potential triggers for behaviours of concern. By avoiding or minimising these triggers, the practitioner can create a more supportive and comfortable environment for the person, reducing the likelihood of behaviours of concern occurring.
5. Building rapport and trust: Asking about likes and dislikes can help the practitioner establish rapport and build a trusting relationship with the individual. It shows that the practitioner values the person’s preferences and interests, which can foster a sense of respect and collaboration throughout the intervention process.