Supportable Solutions

03/15/2026

Last week a kiddo wrote a swear word on his paper mid-session.

My first instinct? He’s upset. We were working on an anger hierarchy so it made total sense.

But instead of reacting, I got curious.

“Are you mad right now?” Nope.
“Why did you write that?” …He was trying to be funny. 😅

If I had redirected or corrected him, he might have escalated or shut down completely.

Instead I got to use that information AS information, and explain: “Hey, most people who saw that would think you were really angry, not that you were joking.”

That’s not a behavior problem. That’s a communication misunderstanding.

Get curious before you get reactive. Every single time.

03/11/2026

Wisconsin friends the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint has created a dashboard to help us look at data reported by DPI - I have found it makes the data so much more accessible!!! Check it out.

An analytical platform designed to monitor and visualize student restraint and seclusion data across Wisconsin school districts to promote safer educational environments.

03/10/2026

Session prep today… Minecraft style. 🎮

Working with a student on interoception, so we’re starting with a Head Check-In to notice how their head feels - clear, foggy, cloudy, heavy, buzzy, throbbing, dizzy… or their own word.

There’s no right or wrong answer, just what’s true for them.

Connecting body awareness to something a student already loves can make all the difference.

Minecraft meets interoception.

Have you tried connecting interoception to a student’s special interest? What worked?

03/06/2026

When teams get curious about the specific why behind a behavior, the focus shifts.

Instead of trying to change the child, we start looking at the task, the expectation, and the supports around them.

That shift opens up far more possibilities for support.

03/05/2026

When we believe a student “just won’t do it,” it’s easy to feel stuck… and frustrated.

Because if a student simply won’t, there’s not much we can do.

But when we pause and ask “What might be getting in the way?”, everything changes.

Curiosity opens the door to possibilities - scaffolds, supports, and new ways to help students succeed.

Sometimes the most powerful shift in supporting behavior isn’t a strategy.

It’s getting curious.

03/01/2026

What if the function of behavior isn’t what we’ve been taught?

What if “attention-seeking” is connection-seeking?
What if “escape” is overload?
What if behavior is an adaptive response to stress - not manipulation?

Last week and again this week, I’m in Illinois training teams on reframing the way we see behavior, aligning practice with neuroscience and neurodiversity-affirming principles.

When we see behavior differently, we respond differently.

And that changes everything.

02/22/2026

If you’re struggling with the traditional FBA and BIP process, check out The Why Toolkit®.

The Why Toolkit® is a structured tool that helps teams assess behavior and build a support plan using a more updated lens.

It supports teams to:

• Rethink
• Reframe
• Reimagine

This process is not rooted in traditional behaviorism and does not reduce behavior to “escape” or “seeking attention.”

It is trauma-sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming, and aligned with what we know now about behavior, stress, and the nervous system.

If you’re ready for an approach that reflects current understanding, you can learn more here:

https://supportablesolutions.com/thewhytoolkit/

02/03/2026

Headed to San Diego to see two of my favorite authors speak!

01/31/2026

Something I’m seeing more and more of in schools lately.

For our Ukeru community: In this message, President Kim Sanders clarifies Ukeru’s stance on the use of gym mats and reflects on the core values that define…

01/28/2026

For those of you wanting to learn more about the dark side of rewards- check out this book study!

Study Group for Connie Persike's article "The Darkside of Rewards". Includes weekly live meeting and asynchronous access to content on our learning management platform. Weekly Meeting: 2/9, 2/16, and 2/23 Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)

01/21/2026

Minnesota allies - we are sharing a resource that may be helpful.

MnNEAT has free, printable safety and access tools to support communication and dignity during ICE-related interactions and high-stress situations - especially for disabled individuals and families.

These Include communication/rights cards, emergency info sheets, and visual supports.

https://mnneat.wixstudio.com/mnneat/safetyaccess

Please share with Minnesota families and community members who may want this on hand.

MnNEAT stands with our community and against ICE. This rapid‑response effort for community care provides downloadable disability access resources to support individuals during the current emergency in our state and across the country.

01/07/2026

Book Club Giveaway

We’re kicking off our next Book Club, and would love for you to join us.

We’ll be meeting on Zoom to read and talk about
Neurodiversity Affirming Schools!

To celebrate the start of our book club, we are giving away
🎁 ONE FREE COPY of the book 🎁

To enter the giveaway:
👉 Comment the word “BOOK” on this post by the end of the day Friday 1/9.

We will randomly choose one person from the comments and message the winner!

All the session dates, times, and registration details are in the graphic below 👇

Hope to see you there.