Joint

Autism and Reframing Behaviour

About this course

Autism and Reframing Behaviour This session reflects a critical shift away from behaviour management approaches and toward a neuroaffirming, relational understanding of behaviour. Informed by neuroscience, psychology, and interpersonal neurobiology, behaviour is understood as communication and regulation. Many behaviours labelled "challenging" signal overwhelm, sensory distress, anxiety, or unmet needs. Others, such as stimming, withdrawal, selective engagement, or intense focus, are often necessary for regulation and stability. Behaviour is never used as a reason to remove belonging. Support is provided without humiliation or loss of relationship. Dignity is preserved even during moments of distress. Participants will explore: How felt safety and neuroception influence behaviour. The role of adult regulation in co-regulation. Reflect on personal beliefs, assumptions, and responses with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to understanding rather than judgement

Location

Webinar Online, Adobe Connect

About the trainer

Dr Jo Fitzsimons

Dr Jo Fitzsimons

Dr Jo Fitzsimons is the Head of Specialist Education Services at Learning in Harmony in North-East London. She has a Doctorate in Special Education from University College London (UCL), a MA in Education and postgraduate diplomas in Speech and Language Impairment and Multi-Sensory Impairment (with a specialist MSI teaching qualification).

Her previous appointments have included Deputy Head of School and curriculum management roles.

Jo has also been involved in a wide range of International and European research projects and conferences over the past 17 years offering training, support and advice on various aspects of SEND practice.

Her specialist interests include sensory learning, autism and supporting children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).