Why Do They Do That? Sylvia Kennedy-Godin October 3, 2019

This session combines four of Jeanine Fitzgerald’s most influential and powerful trainings on the sensory system and its influence on behavior and regulation. The trainings contained within this session are listed below. NOTE: This training does count as Advanced Specialized Care training. TEACHING SELF-REGULATION TO YOUNG CHILDREN. Self-regulation is a complex set of skills that exert influence over internal sensations and states. These skills are necessary for consistent performance, behavior and school readiness. Without them, a child may experience a life of chaos characterized by explosiveness, violence, anxiety, substance abuse, impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility or mood disorders. This skill development begins at the point of conception and continues into the late twenties. This session examines self-regulatory functions through a developmental lens and offers proven strategies to develop and strengthen them. THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE In today’s world of quick fixes, there is little discussion about prevention. This session facilitates this discussion and leads to a deeper understanding of how best to promote a life of wellness by intentionally structuring the conditions of an environment for optimal development. Early experiences matter, especially relationships. Since all pathologies have been linked to the absence of feelings of belonging, the major focus of our work will be to examine relationship models. Our goal is to create enduring relationships characterized with sensitivity, acceptance, accessibility and cooperation. GETTING BACK TO OUR SENSES Self-regulation and learning depends on sensory processing, defined as the way the nervous system receives countless bits of sensory input and organizes them into responses. When not registered, processed and organized in an integrated way, behavior, emotions, and performance are impacted . This session explores the seven senses and ways to strengthen them in service to self-discipline. NO SENSELESS BEHAVIOR Challenging behaviors are not just a reflection of some emotional or social disturbance in a child. They are a symptom of an unsolved problem, often related to unmet needs or a lack of skills and resources. Therefore, we must focus on what a child needs, instead of what an adult or system demands. It is time we move beyond tradition and see challenging behavior as an opportunity to teach alternative ways to gets authentic needs met. This session helps us do just that.