Will's Journey after a brain injury: A life transformed with Positive Behaviour Support
- Maverick Clissold
- Nov 19
- 4 min read
This is a space that can be so unpredictable and you do not know who you’re going to work with.
One of the things I love most about Positive Behaviour Support is connection. There is an opportunity to be your authentic self while focusing on the person’s values and goals beyond your own.
The truth is, sometimes you can have triumphs, but there are often a lot of challenges within this space. I have had the privilege of sharing space with so many vulnerable people over my close to 20 year career in the disability sector.
A Life-Changing Accident:
I could write or talk to so many examples of different experiences, both good and bad within this space. But one that I want to reflect on today is the incredible Will. This young man had a history of mood disorders and was hit by a train resulting in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Understanding Addiction and Brain Injury:
He turned to substances to help cope with the daily challenges that life presented because "it made things slow down…it made him feel like he did before the accident”.
He was misunderstood, lacking identity (literally, he could not remember who he was due to retrograde amnesia from the accident), and was trying to navigate a world of addiction.
Building a Person-Centered Support Space
I tried my best to create a unique space for Will.
A space where he could talk openly about his experiences and his goals. A space where he would receive unconditional positive regard, and simply feel supported in what he was trying to achieve. A space where there was realistic expectations and standards, where he could make informed choices based on facts, not based on influence.
Progress Through Positive Behaviour Support (PBS):
Throughout the first few years of us working together, there was ups and downs. We would have progression followed by regression. There were periods where Will stopped taking different substances and attended GP appointments, but these were quickly followed by binges and offending behaviour.
He lost his licence due to driving under the influence (DUI), but loved his cars and struggles to not continue to drive. All I saw was a young man who was misunderstood, trying to figure out this complex thing we call life the best way he could, and people around him were taking advantage of his vulnerabilities.
In addition, this young man had been through so much and was troubled by his experiences. He couldn’t make sense of them due to his brain injury and the effects of the substances. He would always feel regret and remorse for his actions. He was a good person, but not everyone could see that.
A Turning Point in July 2023:
Close to two years ago, WNOB was at a low point. His mother, a Neuropsychologist, and myself had been by his side throughout his entire journey, being the safety next incase things turned too sour. But throughout these periods we always respected his informed choice and control over his life, and he had such a fierce integrity that he always accepted responsibility for his actions.
During this low point, he asked his mum for a little bit of money, met her at a train station, and she took him home to live with his sister. He claimed he was never going back to drugs and would remain clean.
That was July 2023.
Since then,
Will continued to live with his sister.
His relationships with his family grew and he became an uncle to his nieces.
He cut all ties to his previous life. He started seeing a GP and receiving medication for his diagnoses.
He started going for walks, and attending the gym.
He started engaging in rehabilitation.
He is one driving test away from getting his licence back,
and he has a passion for gold detecting that is unmatched!
A Partnership Beyond Services:
This young man has not needed my PBS supports in a reactive space since he was sober. We have instead been focusing on maintenance and progression.
In Will’s own words “I’m not done yet”.
I feel so lucky to share this space with this young man, and I know that after my time as a formal support ends, we will continue to talk about life’s experiences and strategies we both use to overcome challenges.
We will continue to learn and grow together, as we have for our entire engagement.
What a man…he has taught me so much…I am so proud of him…
Coming soon!
We have some additional content (updated article, and video content) coming soon in relation to Will's story, and we can't wait to show you.
Here is a sneak peak at some of the scenes from the interview with Will showing some inspirational words from our founder Maverick Clissold when he spoke about his own lived experience with ADHD.
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