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A review by misskitty14
Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
The book is very repetitive, but I think for those who are reading it little by little, this is probably helpful as it underscores the central argument: children with challenging behaviors need compassion and understanding, not judgment.
Mona Delahooke applies Stephen Porge's Polyvagal theory (the idea that early infant/childhood traumas influence social habits and behaviors) to children with challenging behaviors (e.g. neurodivergence, oppositional defiance disorder, etc.). The idea is that the habits and behaviors of these children were developed as adaptations to earlier traumas (physical, mental, emotional) and that their nervous system cannot properly gauge threats.
I read this for a class, but also personal reasons (my niece is on the spectrum) and while many critique the Polyvagal theory (especially its application to autism), I do find it to be a reasonable hypothesis. Moreover, the general suggestion that we should focus on building positive relationships with these children and making them feel safe isn't harmful (even if the theory is wrong).
Mona Delahooke applies Stephen Porge's Polyvagal theory (the idea that early infant/childhood traumas influence social habits and behaviors) to children with challenging behaviors (e.g. neurodivergence, oppositional defiance disorder, etc.). The idea is that the habits and behaviors of these children were developed as adaptations to earlier traumas (physical, mental, emotional) and that their nervous system cannot properly gauge threats.
I read this for a class, but also personal reasons (my niece is on the spectrum) and while many critique the Polyvagal theory (especially its application to autism), I do find it to be a reasonable hypothesis. Moreover, the general suggestion that we should focus on building positive relationships with these children and making them feel safe isn't harmful (even if the theory is wrong).