Session 4 – November 9- Brain Development and Coherence – Sensory Integration and Processing

Neurogenesis, Neuroplasticity and Neurochemical Production – Brain Coherence – Gut / Brain Connection and Inflammation – Hyper and Hypo Active Sense Stores

To optimally meet the holistic support needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, and / or a mood / mental health disorder, core competencies, traditional support practices, behavioural management strategies and accountability systems are essential, but are just not enough - equally essential is that supporters and leaders must have:

Mindful presence
Personal & professional emotional maturity, i.e. emotional self-regulation skills
An uncompromised commitment to wanting to help others
Authentic compassion for all others even when they don’t feel like it
The most current evidence-based prevention and management interventions* necessary tocompliment valuable however incomplete strategies

*CCS applies practical research from the disciplines of including but not limited to mindfulness, neuroplasticity, social neurobiology, emotional freedom therapy, nutrition, gastrointestinal health, and sensory regulation.

The first four sessions will unpack sections of the Conscious Care and Support best practices framework providing education along with practical examples and ideas for implementation. The following four sessions will explore us more deeply as supporters by discussing the “human predicament”, building emotional self-regulation through B-FIT mindfulness, and increasing our capacity to bring optimal, skilled, and compassionate support to those we support.

Facilitator

Adriana McVicker, Community Living Windsor (Canada)

For the last 13 years, has worked with Community Living Windsor in various roles including direct support and in positions of management including support services, staff development and project management.
With her education in counselling, developmental psychology, sociology and health sciences, Adriana deeply values using a comprehensive approach while providing quality supports for people and families.
She is a true believer that all of us are interdependent and that we each carry a responsibility to help one another be the best we can.