How Trauma Shapes Behaviour
In this engaging episode, host Andy Baker uncovers the connection between challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation, highlighting how trauma impacts responses to stress. Explore the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn survival responses and gain valuable insights into creating trauma-informed approaches for caregivers, educators, and support professionals. Discover how understanding these behaviours can lead to safer, more empathetic environments. Resources Mentioned: Carer's Card UK (Sponsor)Carer's Card UK offers essential support for carers, providing discounts on everyday items, gym memberships, and more. Access their Wellbeing Hub, Carers Circle tool, and ID card for less than the cost of a box of chocolates per year. Visit Carer's Card UK today! Targeting the Positive by Andy BakerLearn how to manage challenging behaviours with evidence-based techniques from Andy’s transformative book. Develop empathy, confidence, and tools to improve outcomes for those you support. Available worldwide—order your copy today from online bookstores. Key Messages: What Causes Challenging Behaviour?Understand how emotional dysregulation and past trauma shape behaviours often labelled as "challenging," and why they are better viewed as cries for help. Breaking Down Survival ResponsesAndy explores the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses and their role in shaping behaviours, offering practical guidance for caregivers to respond compassionately. Trauma-Informed ApproachesDiscover how past trauma triggers present behaviours and learn strategies to create safe, supportive environments for healing and growth. Transforming PerceptionsLearn how to move beyond punishment to provide understanding and connection, fostering trust and better relationships. Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Challenging behaviours as a cry for help. 00:01:34 - Emotional dysregulation and its link to challenging behaviours. 00:02:05 - Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn: The four survival responses explained. 00:04:37 - The concept of amygdala hijacking and its impact on behaviour. 00:05:58 - Trauma-informed care: Recognising triggers and "invisible lions." 00:10:37 - Practical examples of behaviours rooted in fear, not badness. 00:12:58 - Identifying survival responses and supporting emotional regulation. 00:13:50 - Shifting from punishment to creating a sense of safety. 00:14:06 - Join AbleHub for exclusive content and resources. Join AbleHub for Expert Resources and Support! Take your learning further with AbleHub, an online platform designed for caregivers, educators, and advocates. Access exclusive podcast content, certified online courses, live events, and a comprehensive library of resources. Topics include dementia care, self-care, conflict management, neurodiversity, and more. 💡 Try AbleHub free for 14 days—no contracts, cancel anytime.👉 Visit AbleHub.uk and join a community empowering you with the tools and knowledge to provide exceptional care. Stay Connected and Subscribe! Stay informed with The Able to Care Podcast! Subscribe now for expert insights and actionable strategies on managing challenging behaviours and improving outcomes for caregivers and educators. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: @abletraining This episode is essential for anyone seeking to better understand challenging behaviours and implement trauma-informed strategies in caregiving, teaching, or support roles.
