Children and Challenging Behaviors

Children and Challenging Behaviors Module 1
Understanding the Origin of Behaviors

What are behaviors telling us about a child’s underlying neurophysiological processes? This module discusses the concept of neuroception, which provides a key to understanding behaviors as adaptations. We also discuss how stress affects our body responses and functional emotional development.

• A New Way of Understanding Behaviors
• Neuroception
• Intentionality and Planning
• Stress Responses
• Functional Emotional Development

Children and Challenging Behaviors Module 2
Individual Differences  

Acknowledging each child’s individual uniqueness is important in helping to understand intentional misbehavior and a child’s adaptations to their body’s signals. We describe the elements behind the physical body, behavioral control, sensory processing, and behaviors influenced by thoughts and feelings.

• Observable Behaviors
• The Physical Body and Behavioral Control
• Sensory Processing
• Behaviors Influenced by Feelings
• Behaviors Influenced by Thoughts

Children and Challenging Behaviors Module 3
Solutions

Feeling safe is an inherent desire for every person. This module discusses the basics of stress and why children need adults for co-regulation and how to provide cues for relational safety for children. We also examine the basics of play, de-escalation strategies, and how to help children find their own solutions.

• Stress and Co-Regulation
• Child’s History and Tracking Behavior Patterns
• De-Escalation Strategies
• Play Basics
• Helping Children Find Their Own Solutions

Children and Challenging Behaviors Module 4
Neurodiversity and Trauma

In our final module, we examine how to properly interpret behaviors in neurodiverse individuals. We also discuss how early adverse experiences impact children and their behavior. Finally, we describe the problem with rewards and punishments.

• Behaviors in Autism and Neurodiversity
• Modeling Awareness and Self-Compassion
• Early Adverse Experiences
• Rewards and Punishments
• Targeting Relationships

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**