Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L
Identifying Causes of Sensory-Based Behaviors
An Inside Look at Challenging Behaviors in Young Children
Understand the latest research as well as the neurological, psychological, and social-emotional foundations for behavior
Identify the root of behaviors relating to sensory differences and sensory processing disorders
Hands-on interactive labs to effectively treat sensory related behaviors to promote self-regulation in all children
Methods to prevent even the most challenging behaviors including task avoidance, emotional outbursts, lack of motivation, not following directions, oppositional responsesand task refusal
Integrate a strengths based, problem solving approach with effective treatment methods to support positive treatment outcomes across all settings
Educate parents, teachers, and others about the importance of understanding, empathy and skill building for eliminating challenging behaviors
It is estimated that up to 15% of children are labeled with emotional and behavior disorders, exhibiting problem behaviors that interfere with learning, relationships, and participation in daily activities. Many of these children have received multiple diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, ODD and sensory issues. Some of these children are simply labeled as "bad" and left to fall through the cracks. Research showsthat systemic use of outdated approaches to controllingbehaviors are not addressing the needs, while new research is emerging that supports methods teaching skills, fosteringself-regulation and building social-emotional intelligence as ways to significantly reduce the impact of challenging behaviors.
This one day, dynamic workshop will examine current trends and perspectives on behavior and ask you toexamine your own beliefs that influence how you manage behavior in the children you work with, educate, and raise. Participantswill be introduced to a strength-based, problem solvingapproach to addressing behaviors across multiple settings. Drawing on the work of experts in a variety of related fields, this presentation will focus on how to clarify the problem, find solutions, and implement strategies that work. Participants will learn to identify the difference between sensory-based behaviors, how to focus on strengths, best methods for quick solutions, and how to collaborate effectively for continued success. Participants will leave this workshop equippedwith practical, effective strategies you can implement tomorrow.
Interpret current neurology, research and trends in behavior management.
Identify the function of specific behaviors as they relate toparticipation in therapeutic activities.
Recognize the difference between sensory-basedbehavior issues and other types of behaviors resulting from conditions such as anxiety, asynchronous development, personality differences, and environmental mismatch.
Implement an effective problem solving strategy foraddressing problem behaviors across settings.
Utilize at least three practical strategies to reduce problembehaviors through eliminating power struggles, increasing motivation, supporting skill development, structuring the environment, and reducing anxiety.
Advocate for children and for empowering families with aholistic framework for understanding and addressing difficult behaviors.
Behavior: Defining the "Problem"
Definitions and perceptions
Common behavior problems in therapy, home, and school
Current research and trends in behavior management
Establishing a New Framework for Behavior
Typical, difference or disorder?
Understanding the message: Behavior as communication
Evaluating context: Behavior doesn't occur in a vacuum
Problem solving with an expanded tool box
The Problem: Is It Sensory?
Behavior through a "sensory lens"
Sensory processing disorder subtypes and associated behaviors
How motor disorders influence behavior
Modulation: Meltdowns vs tantrums
Sensory diets, strategies and tools
The Problem: When It Isn't Sensory?
Gifted children: Asynchronous development
Solutions: Effective Strategies for Positive Outcomes
The just right challenge
Scaffolding for growth
Reducing the impact of anxiety
Increasing motivation and participation
Improving follow through across settings
Step by Step: Problem Solving for Solutions
Empowering families through understanding
Referring out to others
Addressing common goals
Advocating for changes
Identifying Causes of Sensory-Based Behaviors |2 Hour Course
An Inside Look at Challenging Behaviors in Young Children |1 Hour Course