About the Guest(s):

Guy Stevens is a nationally recognized expert and advocate for ending restraint and seclusion in schools. He is the founder of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a nonprofit organization focused on reforming punitive discipline practices in educational settings. Guy is also a board member of the ARC of Maryland and PDA North America. His advocacy is dedicated to promoting trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches that prioritize inclusive and safe educational environments for all students.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas is joined by Guy Stevens, a leading advocate for more humane behavior support strategies in schools. Through a riveting conversation, they explore the profound harms of traditional punitive practices, like restraint and seclusion, and the importance of trauma-informed educational frameworks. They delve into Guy's personal journey from a conventional understanding of behavior support to becoming a passionate advocate for transformative discipline practices.

The discussion highlights the systemic challenges and widespread use of outdated behaviorist strategies such as PBIS, emphasizing the need for approaches that recognize the neuroscience of behavior. Guy shares his insights on the negative impacts of punitive measures on both students and educators, urging a shift towards more supportive and effective methodologies. Packed with educational insights and practical tips, this episode is a deep dive into creating more inclusive and empathetic learning environments.

Complete show notes and transcript: (coming soon)

Key Takeaways:

-Understanding Behavior: Traditional behaviorist strategies often fail to address the real underlying causes of behavior, which are frequently rooted in stress and trauma.

-Shift to Trauma-Informed Practices: Schools should move towards trauma-informed and neuroscience-aligned practices to promote better educational environments.

-Restraint and Seclusion: These practices still present a significant problem in schools, resulting in safety risks and potential trauma for both students and educators.

-PBIS and Behaviorist Strategies: While well-intentioned, these frameworks often lack the necessary depth to address individual student needs and may perpetuate exclusion.

-Transformative Advocacy: By fostering curiosity and understanding the brain's role in behavior, educators can fundamentally change how they respond to and support students' needs.

Resources:

Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR)

Books Mentioned:

Brain-Body Parenting

Beyond Behaviors

Self-Reg

Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors

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