Kate McGinnity and Anna Nikolay explain how to change challenging behaviours in ourselves and those with sensory movement differences.
People with sensory/movement differences and diversity may process the world around them in a manner that can result in behaviour that causes them trouble. In this presentation, Kate McGinnity and Anna Nikolay shared their experiences of understanding and supporting individuals with sensory and movement differences. Their focus for every individual is finding the root cause of their behaviours.
Kate and Anna
- showed a video of different types of processing
- described how the method of processing may provide clues about the function of the behaviour
- explained how we can better support an individuals’ processing so they may live their best lives.
When people see unusual behaviours, they tend to make assumptions that may be unhelpful. So Kate and Anna will share a framework for thinking about behaviour from a processing perspective. You’ll see examples and hear descriptions of how to
- support the processing
- support new behaviour
- support bigger lives.
Following the presentation, Kate, Anna, and their colleagues Lisa Ladson and Sharon Hammer facilitated a Q&A session. This session was not recorded.
Video playing time: 50 minutes
Meet the presenters
Kate McGinnity
Kate is an international presenter and author as well as a nationally recognised consultant/coach and teacher in the field of autism. She has over 35 years of experience working with individuals with autism and their families.
During her tenure as a teacher, Kate was recognised as the National Teacher of the Year by the Autism Society of America. She is currently involved in private practice providing training and consultation/coaching to professionals and parents. She also provides counselling and yoga to individuals on the autism spectrum. Kate has taught graduate-level autism-related courses through a variety of universities.
Kate is the co-author of three books. She is committed to bringing her passion and compassion to every aspect of her work and life.
Some of Kate’s books
Kate has co-authored the following books, all published by Cambridge Book Review Press. There are all available to purchase from Community Resource Unit.
- Walk Awhile in My Autism (2005)
- Lights! Camera! Autism! Using video technology to enhance lives (2011)
- Lights! Camera! Autism! 2 Using video technology to support new behaviour (2013).
Anna Nikolay
Anna Nikolay is a special education teacher and Autism consultant in Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She has taught special education in Wisconsin since then.
Anna was selected early in her career to be a member of an esteemed group of colleagues on a district-wide autism support team. After one year, Anna began co-leading the team.
Anna develops and presents trainings for staff and families on a variety of autism and other special education-related topics. She is known for her ability to collaborate with individuals and students who cross her path.
In 2019 Anna started her Autism consulting business Nikolay Consulting, LLC. Through Nikolay Consulting, she helps support and amplify voices of individuals with Autism. In 2020, Anna started in the Education Policy and K-12 Leadership Masters program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Meet the Q&A facilitators
Sharon Hammer MS, LPC
Sharon Hammer is an Educational and Behavioural Consultant and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Sharon is a partner at Imagine a Child’s Capacity. Here she provides training and consultation to schools, community members, and parents. Sharon has co-authored two books and DVDs about using technology to support individuals with autism.
With Star Cinema, Sharon co-created the first Sensory-Friendly movie-going experience in the state of Wisconsin. Sharon is committed to increasing awareness and possibilities throughout the community for individuals on the spectrum.
Sharon’s books
- Lights, Camera! Autism! – Using Video Technology to Enhance Lives (Co-author, 2011)
- Lights! Camera! Autism! 2 – Using Video Technology to Teach New Behavior (Co-author, 2013)
Lisa M Ladson, BA, CABA
Lisa M. Ladson is an owner/partner at Imagine a Child’s Capacity, LLC in Madison, Wisconsin. Lisa currently provides psychoeducation, individual skill development and training to individuals in their school, home and community environments. She is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, certified resource teacher and behaviour specialist. She has assisted individuals with disabilities for over 30 years.
Lisa has co-authored two books and contributed to a third. Lisa using a positive, individualised, and person-centred approach in her work. She is committed to helping those she supports to achieve personal growth and overall well-being.
Lisa’s books
- Lights, Camera! Autism! – Using Video Technology to Enhance Lives (Co-author, 2011)
- Lights! Camera! Autism! 2 – Using Video Technology to Teach New Behavior (Co-author, 2013)
- Autism: The Movement-Sensing Perspective (Contributing author, 2018)