Reframing Behavior: Understanding System-Involved Youth with Developmental Delays Through a Neuro-affirming Lens

Staci Neustadt, MS CCC-SLP

Training Description

This training helps participants reframe the behaviors of foster youth and system-involved youth with developmental delays through a neurodevelopmental and strengths-based lens. Using reflection activities and practical strategies, attendees will learn how neurological differences affect behavior, communication, and emotional regulation. The session emphasizes how to shift from compliance-based approaches to connection-based support, using tools that foster trust. By attending, professionals will gain insight into how to interpret behavior as communication and provide more affirming, effective support within systems that often misunderstand these youth.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify four behavior patterns commonly seen in system-involved youth with developmental delays and determine how these may reflect unmet sensory, language, or emotional needs rather than willful misbehavior.