Supporting behaviour: Reaction vs response

Cheryl Warren talks about knowing the difference between reacting and responding to children's behaviours, and importantly tuning into the why behind a particular behaviour. As well as discussing how to support children and families with understanding and dealing with neurodivergent behaviour, Cheryl also shares with us her own personal experience of the emotional rollercoaster of being a parent hearing that her child has been diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition. 

Episode breakdown: 

01:05 - What is behaviour?
02:35 - What is the difference between reaction vs response?
05:55 - Understanding the 'why' behind the behaviour
07:25 - Behaviour as a safety response 
09:40 - Understanding neurodivergence
12:30 - Labelling and stigma
14:15 - Supporting parents with understanding their child
19:00 - Finding out your child has autism
22:55 - Masking behaviours and adult diagnosis
25:05 - Diagnosis helping you to understand who you are
26:20 - Autistic burnout from masking
27:35 - Physical effects of emotional exhaustion
28:30 - Not seeing the hidden disabilities
29:55 - Age related expectations 
31:55 - What is stimming?

Hear and read more on The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com