Episode 6: Weathering the Storm

Reinforcement good. Punishment bad. Right? Not exactly. In this episode, Ellie and Erika unpack two of the most misunderstood concepts in behaviour support: reinforcement and punishment. Because despite how often these words get thrown around in parenting, education and disability spaces, most people aren't actually using them the way behaviour science intended. We explore why reinforcement isn't the same as reward, why punishment isn't always what people think it is, and how some of the most common strategies used with children and adults can accidentally reinforce the very behaviours we're hoping to reduce. Along the way, we tackle sticker charts, time-outs, bribery, natural consequences, sensory needs, and the ethical questions that come up when behaviour change becomes the goal. Because understanding the learning principle doesn't automatically tell us what the right support response is.

Joined by Aaron Miller, we're tackling a big one: what does good behaviour support actually look like? We unpack some of the biggest myths in the behaviour world, why behaviour isn't something to "fix", and why reducing behaviour isn't the same as improving someone's quality of life. Plus, we're sharing a few Behaviour Support Practitioner "hills we're willing to die on"… and some of them might be controversial. If you've ever wondered what separates good behaviour support from the tick-box version, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Erika and Ellie unpack one of the most misunderstood profiles in the neurodiversity space: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy). We dive into what PDA actually is, why it has so many different names, and what is really happening in the nervous system when everyday expectations feel like genuine threats. We explore why traditional parenting, teaching and support strategies often backfire, and why approaches based on collaboration, flexibility and connection tend to be far more effective. You'll hear us bust some common myths, discuss communication styles that can reduce stress and resistance, and explain why PDA isn't about refusing to cooperate; it's about surviving overwhelming feelings of loss of control. Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, support worker, or someone with PDA yourself, this conversation has the potential to completely change how you understand behaviour. This is one we genuinely hope gets shared far and wide. Because when we misunderstand PDA, we often respond in ways that make life harder for everyone involved. But when we understand what's happening beneath the surface, everything starts to make a lot more sense. 💙

The NDIA changes announced last month have left a lot of people overwhelmed, confused and for some, scared. Judging by the response to our Instagram poll, this is the topic people most wanted unpacked properly. So that’s exactly what we did. In this episode, we revisit what the NDIS was actually designed to be in the first place (spoiler: an insurance scheme), what the proposed changes really mean in practical terms, and what families, providers and participants can start doing now to prepare. We also dive into some of the uncomfortable conversations happening behind the scenes in the sector right now — including sustainability, evidence, funding pressures and the growing gap between what people need and what systems are realistically resourced to provide. There may be a few controversial thoughts in this one… but avoiding the conversation isn’t helping anyone. This episode isn’t about panic. It’s about understanding the landscape, cutting through the noise, and helping people get on the front foot.

Every Behaviour Specialist’s favourite question… and for good reason. In this episode, we’re getting underneath it all — unpacking the why behind behaviour. Because every behaviour serves a function. And when we skip the why, we miss the whole point. We break down behaviour as communication (yes, even the ones that make you want to pull your hair out), and why surface-level responses often do more harm than good. This one’s for anyone who’s been told to “just follow through with consequences” or “set firmer boundaries” — but know it ain’t working! And yes, we might have a few thoughts on things like suspension being called a “consequence.” (Spoiler: sending someone away doesn’t teach them how to stay.) Because when we understand the why, we stop reacting and throwing bandaids on things — and we start responding in a way that is ACTUALLY going to change things. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP