Episodes

  • Reducing Restrictive Practices: Insights with Sharon Paley

    Reducing Restrictive Practices: Insights with Sharon Paley
    Nov 11 2024
    In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn welcomes Sharon Paley, a registered nurse with extensive experience supporting individuals who express distress through their behaviour. Together, they 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.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Connected Care, and the Role of the Tribe in Positive Behaviour Support (Ashley Smith)

    Connected Care, and the Role of the Tribe in Positive Behaviour Support (Ashley Smith)
    Sep 6 2024
    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 Beliefs
    • The Handbook of Trauma-Transformative Practice
    • Dr Tracey Westerman - Indigenous Psychological Services
    • Dr Daniel Huges - PACE and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
    • Centre of Excellence in Therapeutic Care
    • Australian Childhood Foundation - RESOURCES
    • Brené Brown - The Anatomy of Trust
    • Four F’s - Reflexive Practices
    • Neurobloom - Instagram
    Time 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
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    57 mins
  • Understanding Sensory Integration (Tim Angel)

    Understanding Sensory Integration (Tim Angel)
    Sep 6 2024
    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
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    39 mins