Behaviour Bits

Jenn Colechin

Welcome to Behaviour Bits: mini masterclasses in positive behaviour support strategies and related subjects behaviour with your host, Specialist Behaviour Director Jenn Colechin. Join us as Jenn interviews a diverse range of specialists, delving into their unique fields, strategies, and areas of expertise.

  1. 09/06/2024

    001 Understanding Sensory Integration (Tim Angel)

    In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn sits down with Tim Angel, an experienced occupational therapist and director of Ability Rehab and Bridge Rehab. Tim delves into the world of sensory integration, explaining how sensory processes impact individuals’ behaviour and functioning. He shares insights from his extensive career, focusing on the importance of understanding and addressing sensory needs in both clinical settings and everyday life. Tim discusses practical strategies for recognising and supporting sensory needs, emphasising the importance of predictability and routine. He provides examples from his work with children, adolescents, and adults with autism and other neurodiverse conditions, illustrating how tailored interventions can enhance focus, calmness, and overall well-being. This episode oIers valuable information for those looking to deepen their understanding of sensory integration and its application in therapeutic and personal contexts. Time stamps 01:13 - Tim’s professional background and focus on sensory integration 03:30 - Defining sensory integration and its significance 06:51 - Practical examples of sensory strategies in daily life 10:56 - Understanding interoception and its role in behaviour 18:21 - The impact of sensory tools and the importance of strategy 22:34 - The role of consistent, predictable routines in managing sensory needs 26:47 - Discussion on screen time and sensory overload 35:13 - Key takeaways and practical advice for listeners 37:26 - Resources for further information on sensory integration

    39 min

  2. 09/06/2024

    002 Connected Care, and the Role of the Tribe in Positive Behaviour Support (Ashley Smith)

    In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn welcomes Ashley Smith, founder of NeuroBloom, to explore the journey from an unlikely start in dental care to becoming a trauma behavioural specialist. Ashley shares how her personal experiences and late diagnosis of autism and ADHD shaped her professional evolution into the fields of child protection, out-of-home care, and NDIS support. Through this discussion, listeners gain insight into the profound connection between trauma, behaviour, and mental health, along with the importance of relational care in professional practice. The episode dives into how trauma-informed care has become a vital component of behavioural support and offers practical strategies for fostering connection and healing through community and neurobiology. Ashley’s insights are invaluable for professionals seeking to understand and apply trauma-informed frameworks in their work. By tuning in, listeners will walk away with practical knowledge to enhance their approach to care, improve client outcomes, and cultivate more compassionate, effective support strategies. Additional notes and resources: Cozolino, L. (2013). *The social neuroscience of education: Optimizing attachment and learning in the classroom.* W. W. Norton & Company. Could the Blackfoot Wisdom that inspired Maslow Guide Us Now?The Emergence of the Breath of Life Theory - Blackfoot BeliefsThe Handbook of Trauma-Transformative PracticeDr Tracey Westerman - Indigenous Psychological ServicesDr Daniel Huges - PACE and Dyadic Developmental PsychotherapyCentre of Excellence in Therapeutic CareAustralian Childhood Foundation - RESOURCESBrené Brown - The Anatomy of TrustFour F’s - Reflexive PracticesNeurobloom - InstagramTime Stamps 02:29 – Jenn asks Ashley to introduce herself and share her background 04:27 – How does one go from dentistry to trauma specialist? 09:39 – Managing quality and quantity in behavioural support 12:22 – Tell us more about NeuroBloom and its values 15:55 – The importance of community actualisation and connection 18:22 – What does trauma-informed practice look like? 23:53 – Defining neuroplasticity in trauma care 31:32 – How do you connect a care team effectively? 34:22 – Practical steps for fostering team collaboration and connection 40:31 – Professional burnout and staying aligned with core values 46:42 – Tips for applying trauma-informed practice in real-world settings 52:40 – Resources for enhancing trauma-informed practice knowledge

    57 min

  3. 11/11/2024

    003 Reducing Restrictive Practices: Insights with Sharon Paley

    In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn welcomes Sharon Paley, founder and CEO of the Australian Centre for Restraint Reduction & Elimination (ACRRE). Sharon has a wide breadth and depth of experience in restrictive practice reduction. Her 40+ years of experience is reflected by her strong practice background, knowledge of practice research, and achievements in the field. Together, Jenn and Sharon dive into the complex and crucial topic of restrictive practices, discussing what they are, where they occur, and the systemic issues that allow them to persist. Sharon shares her professional journey, detailing how her early experiences shaped her dedication to reducing these practices and advocating for more ethical and supportive approaches. Listeners will gain insights into the ethical considerations surrounding restrictive practices and learn why it is essential to address these issues for the well-being of both the individuals affected and the professionals implementing them. Sharon’s emphasis on the importance of understanding and improving communication methods offers practical and impactful strategies for those in support roles, making this episode an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a difference in behaviour support. Timestamps: [00:01:24] Introduction to Sharon Paley and her work on restrictive practices.[00:01:43] Defining restrictive practices and their application across various sectors.[00:07:18] Discussion on the real-life impacts of restrictive practices on individuals.[00:11:04] Identifying the most vulnerable groups affected by restrictive practices.[00:17:13] Examples of restrictive practices used inappropriately due to lack of guidance.[00:26:15] The importance of restraint reduction plans alongside behaviour support plans.[00:30:10] Misconceptions about risk management and how they influence practices.[00:36:47] The role of leadership in modelling change and reducing restrictive practices.[00:42:19] Addressing fear and gaining buy-in from staff implementing support plans.[00:51:06] Resources and further support for understanding and managing restrictive practices.

    1h 3m

  4. 12/03/2024

    004 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Prue Walker

    In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn sits down with Prue Walker, a clinical social worker and leading expert in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With years of experience in child protection, out-of-home care, and her pivotal role at Monash Children’s Hospital, Prue offers an in-depth exploration of FASD—what it is, how it affects the brain and body, and the challenges individuals with FASD face in daily life.Prue delves into the neurodevelopmental implications of prenatal alcohol exposure, discussing the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate interventions, and strategies to support individuals with FASD. This episode is packed with actionable insights, from understanding the unique behaviours linked to FASD to creating supportive environments that foster growth and development. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or professional, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to help you better support individuals with FASD and navigate the challenges they face. FASD HubNOFASD Australia Emerging Minds FASD resources https://emergingminds.com.au/?s=fasd Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) behavioural resources https://canfasd.ca/?s=behaviour Overview of FASD Popova, S., Charness, M. E., Burd, L., Crawford, A., Hoyme, H. E., Mukherjee, R. A. S., Riley, E. P., & Elliott, E. J. (2023). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers, 9(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-023-00420-x McLean, S. (2022). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): An update on policy and practice in Australia (9781760162092). https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd-update-policy-and Flannigan, K., Pei, J., McLachlan, K., Harding, K., Mela, M., Cook, J., Badry, D., & McFarlane, A. (2022). Responding to the Unique Complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778471 FASD and Behaviour Supports How thinking about behavior differently can lead to happier FASD families Behavioral Interventions in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Kautz-Turnbull, C., Kaminsky, E., Kuhn, M., Wittlin, R., Petrenko, C. L. M., & Olson, H. C. (2024). Positive behavior support (PBS) with children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Characterizing caregivers' use of PBS using follow-up clinical trial data. Res Dev Disabil, 151, 104773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104773 Petrenko, C. L. M. (2015). Positive Behavioral Interventions and Family Support for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Curr Dev Disord Rep, 2(3), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-015-0052-8 To contact Prue or request a consultation visit https://pruewalkerfasd.com Time Stamps: • [00:00:40] Introduction to Prue Walker and her professional background • [00:02:15] What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? • [00:04:26] Prue’s journey from child protection to specialising in FASD • [00:06:14] Understanding the causes and development of FASD • [00:08:42] The impact of alcohol exposure timing and quantity during pregnancy • [00:12:00] Key cognitive and behavioural challenges associated with FASD • [00:17:50] Rates of FASD in the general population and underdiagnosis • [00:20:33] Populations and signs where FASD is most prevalent • [00:24:54] Pathways for diagnosis and the role of neuropsychologists • [00:27:24] Strategies to support individuals with FASD in schools and at home • [00:35:34] General behavioural strategies for managing FASD effectively • [00:40:42] Resources for professionals and caregivers to learn more about FASD #FASD #ChildProtection #Neurodevelopment #BehaviourSupport #PositiveBehaviour #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #InclusiveEducation #BehaviourBits #ProfessionalDevelopment #ParentingStrategies

    46 min

  5. 12/31/2024

    005 Bridging Positive Behaviour Support and Functional Communication (Kristin Bayley)

    Join Kristin Bayley, a board-certified behaviour analyst and speech pathologist, as she delves into the importance and implementation of functional communication training (FCT) for individuals with behaviours of concern. Kristin discusses her dual expertise, the overlap between behaviour analysis and speech pathology, and the essential role of FCT in improving the quality of life for those with unmet communication needs. She shares insights into practical strategies, the significance of early intervention, and the critical concept of using low-effort, high-reward communication methods to replace problematic behaviours. Whether dealing with early intervention or residential care settings, Kristin offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable advice for practitioners looking to enhance their clients' ability to self-advocate and navigate their social environments more effectively. 00:00 Introduction01:23 Defining Functional Communication04:27 Kristin's Professional Journey06:49 Intersection of Behaviour Analysis and Speech Pathology11:14 Understanding Behaviour and Communication19:55 Functional Communication Training32:19 Understanding Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged (HRE)34:02 The Importance of Quality of Life in Positive Behaviour Support37:12 Challenges and Barriers in Implementing Functional Communication Training39:05 Collaboration Between Behaviour Support Practitioners and Speech Pathologists43:41 Receptive vs. Expressive Communication51:31 Practical Tips and Resources for Functional Communication Training55:25 Conclusion and Contact InformationResources:Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). REDUCING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS THROUGH FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION TRAINING. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111 McGreevy & Fry. (n.d.). Alternative Method of Speaking Tool. https://datamakesthedifference.com/alternative-method-of-speaking-tool/ AFIRM: Functional Communication Training. (n.d.). https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/functional-communication-training

    58 min

  6. 02/01/2025

    006 Human Rights, Forensic Psychology & Behaviour Support (Dr. Astrid Birgden)

    In this episode of *Behaviour Bits*, Jenn sits down with Dr. Astrid Birgden, a forensic clinical psychologist and behaviour support specialist with over four decades of experience. Astrid shares her insights on the intersection of forensic psychology, disability, and positive behaviour support, shedding light on how human rights can and should be upheld—even in complex cases involving individuals with intellectual disabilities and offending behaviours. Throughout the conversation, Astrid discusses her pioneering work in forensic disability services, the Good Lives Model, and how therapeutic jurisprudence can shape a more humane approach to rehabilitation. She explores how professionals can balance dignity of risk with duty of care, improve quality of life for clients, and ensure that positive behaviour support is truly *positive*—rather than just a compliance exercise. Whether you’re working in disability, corrections, or psychology, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inform your practice. Additional Resources: https://www.goodlivesmodel.com/ Compendium of Resources for Positive Behaviour Support https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-10/Compendium%20of%20Resources%20for%20Positive%20Behaviour%20Support%20%20%20A%20guide%20for%20behaviour%20support%20practitioners%20-%20March%202019.docx Positive Practice Framework https://www.dffh.vic.gov.au/information-behaviour-support-practitioners Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

    43 min

  7. 03/02/2025

    007 Rethinking Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS (Dr Erin Leif)

    In this episode, Jenn sits down with Dr Erin Leif, a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and senior lecturer at Monash University, to unpack the complexities of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Erin shares her professional journey, from struggling as a student to becoming a leading advocate for transforming PBS practices in Australia. Through their discussion, they explore the current state of PBS in the NDIS, the challenges practitioners face, and how the system has shifted towards a compliance-heavy, reactive model rather than a truly supportive and preventative approach. They dig deep into the critical need for a paradigm shift—one that places more emphasis on proactive, universal support strategies over restrictive practices. Erin presents a compelling case for reimagining PBS as an everyday, embedded practice that prevents the need for behaviour support plans and restrictive measures altogether. They discuss how focusing on routine healthcare, creating environments of success, and implementing person-centred active support can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities. If you’re working in behaviour support or looking for ways to create a more inclusive and effective support system, this episode is packed with insights and actionable steps for making meaningful change.

    1h 11m

  8. 04/01/2025

    008 Supporting Parenting Wellbeing and Embracing Acceptance (Dr. Georgina Cox)

    In this engaging episode, Dr Georgina Cox, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Royal Children's Hospital, shares insights from her extensive experience supporting families navigating disability, trauma, and mental health challenges. Georgina delves into the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR, illustrating how these approaches can help individuals find meaning, flexibility, and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. Georgina is a Member At Large of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science-Australia and New Zealand Chapter (ANZACBS) https://www.anzacbs.com/about-anzacbs.

    57 min
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About

Welcome to Behaviour Bits: mini masterclasses in positive behaviour support strategies and related subjects behaviour with your host, Specialist Behaviour Director Jenn Colechin. Join us as Jenn interviews a diverse range of specialists, delving into their unique fields, strategies, and areas of expertise.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenn Colechin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jenn Colechin
  • Show Website
    Behaviour Bits