Behaviour Bits

• Rethinking Complex Needs: 10 Things to Do Differently from Dr. Brent Hayward

  In this episode, Jenn is joined by Dr Brent Hayward, a registered nurse and senior lecturer at Monash University with over two decades of experience across disability, mental health, and policy sectors. Brent shares a compelling reflection on his 20-year journey, highlighting the systemic barriers, evolving practices, and persistent challenges in providing effective support for individuals with disabilities and complex needs. Drawing on his keynote from the Complex Needs Conference, Brent outlines the “Top 10 Things to Do Differently”, offering a powerful critique of current service delivery models and a roadmap for meaningful change.The conversation dives into why reflective practice alone isn’t enough without coaching, the pitfalls of the “train and hope” approach to workforce development, and the dangers of relying on under-qualified staff for high-risk support. Brent challenges the over-reliance on medical practitioners and assessment referrals, advocating instead for person-centred, evidence-informed approaches that empower support workers and practitioners alike. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their practical impact, navigate systemic inertia, and rethink how we work together to foster true inclusion and quality of life.Looking for practical, flexible learning that goes beyond the podcast? The All Access Pass gives you unlimited entry to all of our self-paced online courses, early access to new content, exclusive member discounts, and our ever-growing library of downloadable resources, templates, and clinical tools. It’s all grounded in evidence-based, person-centred practice, designed to support you at your own pace, in real-world ways.You can find Dr. Brent's paper on Research Gate here:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brent-Hayward-2Visit https://specialistbehaviour.com/all-access-pass/Questions, comments, feedback? Email us at [email protected] 

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• On Bravery and Rights-Centred Practice: Ethical Decision-Making in Restrictive Practices with Sharon Paley (Part 2)

  In this compelling follow-up episode, Sharon Paley returns to delve deeper into the ethical principles and human rights considerations regarding restrictive practices in behaviour support. Drawing on her extensive clinical and policy experience in the UK and Australia, Sharon candidly reflects on the evolution of practice, from untrained restraint use to the implementation of thoughtful, rights-focused approaches. Her insights highlight the emotional weight professionals often carry and the need for brave, well-supported teams who are equipped to make ethical decisions even in high-risk environments.Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of why restrictive practices are often used as default, and how that can be shifted with strong leadership, collaborative decision-making, and truly person-centred planning. Sharon unpacks key principles of ethical decision-making frameworks and stresses the importance of multidisciplinary voices and informed, proactive strategies and support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the challenges of restraint reduction and striving to uphold human dignity in complex care settings.Looking for practical, flexible learning that goes beyond the podcast? The All Access Pass gives you unlimited entry to all of our self-paced online courses, early access to new content, exclusive member discounts, and our ever-growing library of downloadable resources, templates, and clinical tools. It’s all grounded in evidence-based, person-centred practice—designed to support you at your own pace, in real-world ways. Visit https://specialistbehaviour.com/all-access-pass/

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• Supporting Parenting Wellbeing and Embracing Acceptance (Dr. Georgina Cox)

  In this engaging episode, Dr Georgina Cox, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Royal Children's Hospital, shares insights from her extensive experience supporting families navigating disability, trauma, and mental health challenges. Georgina delves into the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR, illustrating how these approaches can help individuals find meaning, flexibility, and resilience in the face of life's difficulties.Georgina is a Member At Large of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science-Australia and New Zealand Chapter (ANZACBS) https://www.anzacbs.com/about-anzacbs.

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• Rethinking Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS (Dr Erin Leif)

  In this episode, Jenn sits down with Dr Erin Leif, a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and senior lecturer at Monash University, to unpack the complexities of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Erin shares her professional journey, from struggling as a student to becoming a leading advocate for transforming PBS practices in Australia. Through their discussion, they explore the current state of PBS in the NDIS, the challenges practitioners face, and how the system has shifted towards a compliance-heavy, reactive model rather than a truly supportive and preventative approach.They dig deep into the critical need for a paradigm shift—one that places more emphasis on proactive, universal support strategies over restrictive practices. Erin presents a compelling case for reimagining PBS as an everyday, embedded practice that prevents the need for behaviour support plans and restrictive measures altogether. They discuss how focusing on routine healthcare, creating environments of success, and implementing person-centred active support can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities. If you’re working in behaviour support or looking for ways to create a more inclusive and effective support system, this episode is packed with insights and actionable steps for making meaningful change.

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• Human Rights, Forensic Psychology & Behaviour Support with Dr. Astrid Birgden

  In this episode of *Behaviour Bits*, Jenn sits down with Dr. Astrid Birgden, a forensic clinical psychologist and behaviour support specialist with over four decades of experience. Astrid shares her insights on the intersection of forensic psychology, disability, and positive behaviour support, shedding light on how human rights can and should be upheld—even in complex cases involving individuals with intellectual disabilities and offending behaviours.Throughout the conversation, Astrid discusses her pioneering work in forensic disability services, the Good Lives Model, and how therapeutic jurisprudence can shape a more humane approach to rehabilitation. She explores how professionals can balance dignity of risk with duty of care, improve quality of life for clients, and ensure that positive behaviour support is truly *positive*—rather than just a compliance exercise. Whether you’re working in disability, corrections, or psychology, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inform your practice.Additional Resources:https://www.goodlivesmodel.com/Compendium of Resources for Positive Behaviour Supporthttps://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-10/Compendium%20of%20Resources%20for%20Positive%20Behaviour%20Support%20%20%20A%20guide%20for%20behaviour%20support%20practitioners%20-%20March%202019.docxPositive Practice Frameworkhttps://www.dffh.vic.gov.au/information-behaviour-support-practitionersCooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

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