Presentation 14

This session is designed to place a spotlight on kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mark believes that our best work with all kids begins with a quality connection to them. When working with kids on the Autism spectrum, Mark believes that an understanding of their natural functioning beats chasing down more strategies and tricks or seeking out another new program that promises a 'fix up'. When you're on the spectrum, it is your 'core processing differences' that define how you feel, how you think and who you are. In addition, 'executive functioning difficulties' are often at play.

The consequences of 'executive functioning difficulties' are seen when an individual persistently struggles or fails to apply the knowledge you know they have at the very moment it would be useful. And suddenly, it starts to make sense why managing the emotion and behaviour of these kids is so darn tricky!

Additional resources and links:

• PowerPoint presentation - Topic 1 ASD in Perspective
  
• 'Mark's dedication to the most courageous kids in schools'
  
• Notes that go with - Topic 1 ASD in Perspective
  
• ASD Overview.pdf
• 'The Dragon; That's what I call my brother's Asperger Syndrome'
• Teaching Tough Kids ORDER FORM

'Cracked Pots video clip 1'

'Cracked Pots video clip 2'

Still Face experiment

HD Clydesdales 2013 Budweiser Super Bowl Ad

TOPIC 2: Which WINDOW do you manage your kids (or students) from?

This session is taken from the introduction of Mark's new book, 'RAISING BEAUT KIDS': Recipes for parents on when to say 'yes' and how to say 'no' - www.raisingbeautkids.com and marklemessurier.com.au/.../raising/ It is designed to help parents steer the behaviour of their kids (and their own behaviour) in more positive directions, within the context of building healthy relationships. This also provides a fascinating insight into the choices educators make when managing the behaviours of students, especially in the difficult moments. You see, Beaut Kids just don't happen! Kids look to parents and teachers - the most significant adults in their life - to show sound judgement, compassionate leadership and a capacity to develop predictable boundaries and routines. Mark was also joined by Dr Jenny Suthers, a clinical psychologist, whose passion and reputation concerns the attachment of children to parents, teachers and school cultures. Jenny provided some great ready to use, practical tips.

So, as a parent or teacher, how would you define your 'management style'? In this good humoured and interactive session you'll learn all about it. You'll discover:

• What your management style really is
• Whether your style is punitive, neglectful, permissive or authorative
• Whether your style is working for you, and for your kids or students and, if it's productive, supportive and sustainable?

Next time when you're faced with one of those 'tricky moments' or 'challenging behaviours' you'll be able to ask yourself;

• Which window do I 'feel' like reacting from?
• If I need to move, how can I gather the energy and poise to do this?
• Which window is most likely to result in a constructive solution, and has a good chance of keeping our relationship intact?

Additional resources and links:

• PowerPoint presentation - TOPIC 2: WINDOWS
• Notes that go with TOPIC 2: WINDOWS
• Dr Jenny Suthers PowerPoint
• Dr Jenny Suthers notes
• RBK Introduction.pdf
• Raising Beaut Kids ORDER FORM
• Parenting Tough Kids ORDER FORM

TOPIC 3: How-to build a successful 'in school' Mentoring Program

Mentoring can vary from unplanned intervention to a comprehensively designed long-term relationship, but the building of a quality relationship between the mentee and the mentor is 'THE' universal ingredient. The introduction of formal
mentoring programs in school environment is a comparatively new idea.

Yet, the idea of a more experienced person offering support, guidance and help to a younger person or less experienced group has a long history. Mentoring has the ability to allow students to 'reinvent' themselves as they make a transition to a new situation.

In this session, learn how to build a successful mentoring program and strategies to make a mentoring program thrive in your school environment. Linda McEvoy, special education coordinator and Mel Stockdale, school counsellor join Mark to showcase a highly developed 'Mentoring program' they run at St Augustine's Parish School at Salisbury.

Additional resources and links:

• PowerPoint presentation - TOPIC 3: Mentoring
• Notes that go with - TOPIC 3: Mentoring
• Mel Linda Mentoring.pptx - (no notes)
• 'How-to set up a mentoring program in your school'
• 'What's the Buzz?' a social skills/friendship program
• Teaching Tough Kids ORDER FORM

Cognitive Behaviour Training: What is it? How easy is it to use? How can I use it with students? And, does it work?

Based on Mark's book - 'Cognitive Behaviour Training; a how-to guide for better behaviour'. It was reviewed by the editor of the Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities as... "A text that does not disappoint. It brings together a useful and encouraging collection of material which is immediately accessible."

CBT has existed for as long as we have parented, educated and guided children. We have relied on it to ensure their emotional and social growth. CBT delivers! It is a platform for educators and pastoral care workers to teach young people how to move from a reactive or hyper-vigilant position to one where planned and logical thought processes can be readily accessed. Think of CBT as drown-proofing children by stimulating their thinking. And, it's never too early to start!

Many of you instinctively use the principles each and every day with so many of your students, and at home with your children. What this workshop does is to provide you with a framework to formalise and legitimise what seems sensible and routine. Mark is joined by the iconic Madhavi Nawana Parker who taught participants how-to use a range of relaxation techniques to allay anxiety and worry.

Additional resources and links:

• My PowerPoint - TOPIC 4: CBT
  
• My notes that go with - TOPIC 4: CBT
• Sorry, there are no notes or PowerPoint presentations for Madhavi
  
• How to catch positive behaviours.pdf
• Tantrums.pdf
  
• Tricky kid behaviour.pdf
• Madhavi Nawana Parker's website, madhavinawana.com.au
• 'What's the Buzz?' our social skills/ friendship training website, whatsthebuzz.net.au
• Childrens Relaxation Techniques.docx
• What's the Buzz ORDER FORM
• Parenting Tough Kids ORDER FORM