Managing Distressed Behaviour – Day 1 & 2 Training in Surrey
Saturday, May 3 & Saturday, May 24, 2025, 9:30 am – 3:30pm
Day 1: Presented by Allison Balfour
Day 2: Presented by Allison Balfour & Julie Grundy
Managing Distressed Behaviour: Using Low Arousal Approach
This in-person course, presented by ACT in partnership with Studio 3 Canada, is crafted to underscore practical, non-confrontational methods for both preventing and aiding individuals at risk of or encountering significant distress while displaying behaviours that may be challenging. Attendees will delve into an array of topics including an Introduction to Low Arousal Approaches, encompassing interaction, defusing, and distraction strategies, alongside an exploration of Debriefing: its necessity and techniques. Legal considerations and policy roles will be explained. Participants will gain insights into carers’ tolerance levels and responses to distressed behaviour, understanding the causes behind such behaviour, while acquiring strategies for effectively supporting with and managing behaviours of concern.
Training will be in-person at the Surrey Campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, in the Maple Building, room 2810 (view campus map). This course is facilitated by a certified instructor.
Catering will be provided.
Questions? Please email Allison Balfour at [email protected]
For: All audiences
Please add both tickets if you’d like to attend both days of training.
Day 1 Session details: A Framework for Understanding Distressed Behaviours
May 3, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Legal issues and the role of policies
- Carer’s levels of tolerance and response to distressed behaviour
- Causes of distressed behaviour
- An Introduction to Low Arousal Approaches (including interaction, defusing, and distraction strategies)
- An introduction to debriefing (why it is necessary and how to do it)
- Managing (supporting) versus changing (long term) behaviours
Day 2 Session Details: Gentle Physical Skills
May 24, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Group Participation Exercises
- The Principles of Non-aversive Physical Skills
- Physical Avoidance Skills
- Non-physical and Physical Low Arousal Skills in Practice
- Roleplay – Defusing skills
Allison Balfour
Allison is a dedicated advocate with over 15 years of experience in inclusive education, focusing on mental health and developmental disabilities. Her expertise is bolstered by her role as a parent to neurodivergent children, providing her with invaluable insights and empathy.
In her capacity as a member of the District Action Team for Autism in Surrey Schools, Allison served as a Practical Functional Assessment/Skill-based treatment implementation coach, offering essential support to students and educators alike. She also conducted Low-arousal training and collaborated with Intensive Intervention teams, integrating trauma-assumed approaches into educational practices.
Allison’s skill set encompasses teaching de-escalation techniques and facilitating social skills classes, enriching the learning environment for all students. Beyond the confines of the classroom, Allison is deeply committed to assisting families in navigating the complexities of various systems, including the Ministry, medical, and educational realms. She approaches this task as part of a multidisciplinary team, advocating tirelessly for her own neurodivergent children while supporting others in similar situations.
Julie Grundy
Julie Grundy holds a Master’s in Education and is a dedicated Inclusive Education Support Teacher, committed to fostering learning environments where all students can thrive. With a strong focus on managing distressed behavior, Julie uses the low arousal approach, prioritizing calm and non-confrontational strategies to help de-escalate challenging situations and support students in managing their emotions effectively.
Julie is deeply passionate about inclusion and values creating spaces where neurodivergent students, along with learners of all abilities, are respected, celebrated, and empowered. She integrates these values into her teaching practices, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported in their unique learning journey. Through collaboration with teachers, students, and families, Julie works tirelessly to promote a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusion, providing students with the tools and strategies they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.
The program cost is $150 for each day.
ACT is unable to provide bursaries to this workshop as the price is determined by Studio 3.
*Last day to register is May 2, 2025 at 11:59pm for Day 1 and May 23, 2025 at 11:59pm for Day 2
Group Discounts
Registering 3 or more attendees at a time? Receive a 10% discount!
Friends of ACT Receive 10% Off
Join here to become a Friend of ACT. This FREE program keeps you up to date with all the latest events and resources from ACT, and provides a 10% discount on a single ticket for all events.
Autism Funding
Pay in Advance and Request Reimbursement
- Contact the Autism Funding Team to confirm the training is eligible for your funding use.
- Once confirmed by the Autism Funding Team, register for the workshop on ACT’s website
- After the workshop occurs, submit your request for reimbursement by using either the online portal OR submitting manually:
- Online Portal:
Select “Request Reimbursement” on the My Family Services Portal and submit your receipt. - Submitting Manually:
Submit a completed Reimbursement for Autism Expenses form and receipt to AFB by email, fax or mail.
- Online Portal:
For information on how to register with your Autism Funding, visit Workshop Registration Using Autism Funding.
Please note ACT cannot accept responsibility for any expenses incurred by the participant from charges that involve travel, accommodations, or other costs related to attending an ACT event. These are the sole responsibility of the participant as well as all risks associated with non-refundable, non-changeable purchases. ACT strongly recommends that participants purchase cancellation insurance for travel, etc. where possible.