Laura Ehlert – Outbursts, Oppositional Defiance and Frustration in the Classroom: Self-Regulation Techniques to Reduce the Frequency, Severity and Duration of Problematic Behavior

Outline

Perspective-Taking and Meaning to Improve Student Behavior

The intersection of sensory, cognitive, affect and motor systems

• The “Set-up”: Student’s expectation + delayed development = failure
• Develop appropriate expectations: Pitfalls and strengths of developmental models
• Strategies for triggering triggers: Reinforcing desired behavior
• De-escalation strategies and precursors to problem-solving

Sensory Deficits

Interdependence between sensory processing and perception

• Strategies to reduce sensory triggers
• Desensitize strategies to reset the “panic switch”
• Manage the environment to reduce sensory overload
• Experience your own dysregulation to sensory challenges

Language/Learning Deficits

Incorporate language processing into our understanding of behavior

• Your emotional response to their language challenges
• Recognize, validate and problem-solve common language deficit triggers
• Social Pragmatics insight into poor social behavior
• Suggestions for accommodations and modifications for the classroom

Executive Functioning Deficits

Effective supports to overcoming EF roadblocks

• Problem-solving strategies to improve organization, working memory and meta-cognitive deficits
• Fidget-friendly environments for restless, inattentive students
• Environments that encourage social-emotional regulation
• Experience how we might set kids up to fail without realizing it

Behavioral Strategies

Empower students to make positive choices and take responsibility for their behavior

• Create realistic expectations through better understanding of the child’s process
• Successful “resetting” through behavior modification and skills coaching
• Environmental structures and nurturing words that regulate
• Reduce tantrums and emotional dysregulation through cognitive restructuring

Problem-Solving Strategies

Teach and encourage flexibility, tolerance and decision-making skills

• End power struggles and the blame game
• Improve child’s acceptance and personal responsibility for behavior
• Create realistic expectations
• Self-talk scripts to help students regulate and problem-solve

Brain Training

Increase task completion, social success and emotional control

• Music and rhythm
• Cerebellum Stimulation Training Brain Gym®
• Yoga & mindfulness
• Neurotherapy models
• Limitations of research and potential risks

Neuro-Biological Considerations

• Diet/food sensitivities and needs
• Supplements/vitamins
• Sensitivities/toxins
• Movement and exercise to regulate the brain