Why trauma-informed practice isn’t soft — it’s smart, strategic, and essential for real behavioural change.

In this solo episode of the Able to Care podcast, behaviour specialist Andy Baker unpacks a powerful mindset shift: what if “won’t behave” is really “can’t cope”? With relatable examples from schools, care settings and families, Andy explores how trauma impacts the nervous system, why traditional discipline strategies often backfire, and how a more compassionate, strategic approach creates better outcomes for everyone. If you support children or adults with complex needs, this episode offers practical insights to rethink behaviour, build connection, and respond with clarity—not just consequences.

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1. Behaviour is Communication: What looks like defiance is often the nervous system protecting itself.

2. Language and Goals Matter: Swap “What’s wrong with you?” for “What happened to you?” and “Compliance” for “Safety.”

3. Connection Before Correction: Build trust and co-regulation before expecting behavioural change.

00:00 – Why trauma isn’t a behaviour problem 00:57 – The story of Ryan: behaviour in context 03:01 – Understanding fight, flight, freeze and fawn 04:49 – The brain’s alarm system and trauma response 07:35 – The behaviours we misinterpret: defiance, shutdown, hyperactivity 08:58 – Shame, punishment, and internalised beliefs 09:18 – Language swap: from blame to curiosity 10:05 – Goal swap: from control to safety 11:00 – Strategy swap: from punishment to teaching regulation 12:03 – The golden question: “What are you trying to protect right now?”

Whether you're a teacher facing ‘challenging’ behaviour in the classroom, a foster carer navigating emotional outbursts, or a support worker helping someone who keeps shutting down—this episode reframes what behaviour really means. Learn how trauma impacts the body and brain, and why responding with curiosity and connection changes everything.

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