Supporting All Brains
How Neuroscience and Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches Can Better Support All Students, Teachers, and Staff
Event Details
Ready to explore neuroscience-aligned and neurodiversity-affirming approaches to better support all students, teachers, and staff? If so, join us for “Supporting All Brains,” a groundbreaking conference where all brains are supported and valued!
The live event is over, but the Supporting All Brains RePlay is now available for just $29.
Date
January 20, 2025
Time
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location
Virtual Conference
This event will bring together parents, caregivers, educators, administrators, related professionals, mental health professionals, advocates and others to:
Understand the latest neuroscience research and its implications for teaching and learning.
Discover neurodiversity-affirming strategies that promote inclusivity for all students.
Learn how neuroscience-aligned and neurodiversity-affirming approaches help you.
Inspire change in your schools and communities from what you learn at this unique event.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear from amazing speakers discussing the unique challenges and opportunities we face in education today.
Location: Virtual
Date: January 20th, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time/United States)
Cost: $29 (includes 30 days of access to the recording)
Schools and organizations, if you are interested in purchasing five or more tickets for the RePlay, please reach out to info@endseclusion.org, and we will send you a link to the bulk order form.
Speakers and Topics
We have an amazing lineup of speakers and topics though out the day. Attendees will also have access to the recorded presentations for 30 days following the event.
Dr. Lori Desautels
She/Her/Hers
Assistant Professor at Butler University
Applied Educational Neuroscience
Dr. Lori Desautels created The Applied Educational Neuroscience (AEN) Certification in 2016. The certification is based on the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, which was specifically designed to meet the needs of educators, counselors, clinicians, and administrators who work beside children and adolescents who have and are experiencing adversity and trauma. This session will teach us about the tier-one trauma accommodating applied educational neuroscience framework.
Ande Quercus
They/Them/Theirs
Disabled Activist
Neurodiversity, Behavior, and the Problem with PBIS
What is neurodiversity? How does it relate to behavior? People’s brains are wired many different ways, yet popular behavior management systems don’t account for this. In this presentation, Ande will describe different types of neurodiversity and explain how each type contributes to behavioral diversity. Next, Ande will discuss how the PBIS guidance materials fail to account for the needs and experiences of neurodiverse student populations. Finally, Ande will show how the tools offered for collecting and analyzing behavioral data are designed to produce biased results.
Courtney Hart
She/Her/Hers
Neurodiversity-affirming Pediatric Therapist
Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches to Navigating Challenging Behaviors
Sticker charts and consequences not producing the changes you’re hoping for? Explore a different approach to behaviors often labeled ‘challenging’ by adults. Ideal for parents, educators, and helping professionals, this presentation examines the limitations of traditional behavior management strategies and highlights the role of nervous system responses that may cause meltdowns, shutdowns, or unmet expectations. Participants will learn to shift away from conventional behavior modification, embracing strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming strategies grounded in research and lived experience.
Fiona Quirk
She/Her/Hers
Occupational Therapist
Becoming Neurodiversity-Affirming
Autistic people are advocating for changes in how we support neurodivergent children in schools. Instead of trying to make Autistic students conform to neurotypical expectations, we need to better understand and accommodate them. Support of neurodivergent students in school should focus on their well-being, positive mental health, autonomy, self-determination, and self-esteem. This presentation will amplify Autistic lived experience and share strategies and accommodations to support Autistic students using relationship-focused, trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, neurodiversity-affirming, and collaborative approaches.
Michelle Reynolds
She/Her/Hers
Special Education Teacher
Change Makers: DIY Strategies for Sharing Trauma-Informed Practices
Michelle will share her journey as a special education middle school teacher who was trained in ABA behaviorism methods and how a very special group of students led her to find trauma-informed strategies and the Applied Educational Neuroscience (AEN) framework. Michelle will share small actions that she took in her classroom, as well as her leap into creating poster presentations at national conferences to get her district’s leadership curious and interested in the AEN framework. The goal of this presentation is to inspire other teachers who may feel alone in this journey facing what feels like impenetrable resistance and help provide them a pathway to evoking systems-level change in their schools and districts.
Connie Persike
She/Her/Hers
CCC/SLP and Educational Consultant
Co-Regulation: The Power of Connection in Supporting Students
Co-regulation is the shared process through which an adult’s calm and supportive presence helps a student navigate stress and regain regulation. Grounded in the science of the autonomic nervous system, co-regulation emphasizes the importance of nonverbal cues, tone, and body language in signaling safety. It’s particularly critical during moments when students struggle to access their own coping strategies. This session offers a clear understanding of what co-regulation is, why it’s essential for fostering safety and trust, and practical strategies such as modeling calm behavior, using soothing tones, and creating supportive environments. Discover how your actions can shape students’ ability to regulate, leading to a more connected and effective classroom.
Val Luther
She/Her/Hers
Elementary Music Teacher
How Learning to Support My Neurodivergent Children is Making Me a Better Parent, Teacher, and Human
When her neurodivergent children were struggling in school, Val turned to the work of Dr. Mona Delahooke, Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Lori Desautels, Dr. Naomi Fisher, and the experiences of autistic adults. What she learned not only helped to support her children, but inspired a complete paradigm shift in her elementary music classroom from one of “group plans” and compliance to fostering nervous system regulation. Graduating from Butler University’s Applied Educational Neuroscience graduate certificate program further inspired a journey of self-healing from trauma and exploring her own neurodivergence.
Gail Quigley
She/Her/Hers
School Administrator
Calm Brains, Calm Bodies: Turbocharging Kids Learning by Teaching Them Neuroscience
In this presentation, Gail, a leader in student engagement and wellbeing, will discuss her action-learning journey in implementing neuroscience in an elementary school in Australia. Drawing on the work of Dr Lori Desautels and the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, as well as Dr Bruce Perry, Dr Stuart Shanker and Robyn Gobbel, Gail will talk about the exciting findings, the challenges, some key learnings and some practical takeaways. It is a must for any educator who wants to improve student engagement and learning.
Bonus Sessions
In addition to the live sessions at the January 20th event attendees will have access to several bonus sessions that will be included with the recorded sessions.
Jennifer Abbanat
She/Her/Hers
Expressive Arts Educator, IEP Advocate, Safe and Sound Protocol Integrated Listening System Provider
Trauma and Its Impact On Neurodivergent Students In and Out Of The Classroom and Ways To Help Them Be Successful
Neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently. Neurodivergent students experience adversity and trauma, especially at school, from trying to exist in an environment that runs counter to their unique needs. By understanding the current neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and the research from the ACE study, we have captured more successful and suitable ways to support our neurodivergent learners. Join us to learn the sequential 6-step program (known as the 6 C’s) for working with Neurodivergent learners: curiosity, compassion, co-regulation, connection, creativity, and cognitive capacity.
Karen Bures
She/Her/Hers
Executive Director of The BEAM
Trauma-Informed Social and Emotional Learning
This training is intended to help educators explore how social-emotional learning (SEL) can promote emotional well-being and more effectively support students who may have complex behavioral needs, while building a more inclusive classroom setting. The session will include a look at the brain’s role in regulation, relationships, and problem-solving, emphasizing practical strategies to support neurodiverse learners. Educators will leave empowered with actionable techniques to integrate SEL into daily routines, fostering a classroom environment where every student feels connected, valued, and ready to succeed.
Pam Collins
She/Her/Hers
Neurodivergent Activist, Parent/Educator Coach
Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal
The terms Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence are popping up all over our fields right now. These terms relate to the variation in neurological functioning in humans the same way biodiversity relates to the variation in life on earth at the genetic, species and ecosystem level. The neurodiversity movement asks us to recognize that there is no actual ‘normal’ way to perceive the world and appreciate that many people experience the world differently from ourselves and that is natural. I will introduce the terms, the history and current research so we can support neurodivergent children and truly build inclusive environments.
Trisha Thompson
She/Her/Hers
Early Childhood Education Consultant
Understanding and Supporting Autistic Students in Preschool Settings
In this session, participants will delve into the essential mindset shift required to implement affirming and supportive strategies for nurturing autistic students in preschool classrooms. Rooted in the principles of neurodiversity and anti-ableism, these strategies prioritize curiosity and respect for the internal experiences of autistic learners. Join us to explore how this transformative perspective can enrich the educational environment for students.
Sponsors
We have several amazing sponsors for this event. Through the generous support of our sponsors, we were able to offer scholarships to the conference for those in financial need.
Silver Sponsor
Making Sense
of Autism
Making Sense of Autism empowers parents and professionals with a neuro-strengths-based framework, fostering connection, understanding neurological differences, and strategies.
Silver Sponsor
JumpStart Mastery
Innovation in verbal and crisis de-escalation training for workforces. Together we energize your awareness & measure your skills in crisis de-escalation.
Silver Sponsor
Joe Brummer Author & Speaker
Joe is a speaker, author, and trainer with over a decade of experience in trauma-informed restorative justice, he is available for trainings, keynote speeches, and podcasts.
Silver Sponsor
Stacy G. Nation
LCSW
GO BE YOU provides a space where you can learn, heal, grow, and teach through connection, community, and understanding. We must heal in relationships.
Gold Sponsor
Mona
Delahooke, Ph.D.
Dr. Mona Delahooke is a best-selling author and child psychologist whose paradigm-shifting model aims to reduce suffering and increase resilience for children and families.
Platinum Sponsor
Attachment & Trauma Network
The Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc. is on a mission to promote healing of children impacted by trauma by supporting their families, schools, and communities.
Platinum Sponsor
Exceptional Needs Today
Working together to promote awareness, acceptance,
and inclusiveness. Our mission is to provide support and FREE resources for families, educators, professionals, and self-advocates.
Platinum Sponsor
Supportable
Solutions
Supportable Solutions offers professional development training and online courses for teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as individual consultations and coaching.
Platinum Sponsor
Crisis Prevention Institute
Reframing Behavior is a new schoolwide training program that unpacks the latest neuroscience research to help all educators build a more positive, supportive learning environments.
Door Prizes
We have a number of amazing door prizes that were given to attendees. These door prizes have been donated by a number of amazing individuals and organizations, including:
Sponsorship Opportunities
We have several opportunities for sponsorship for this event. See sponsorship opportunities below, and reach out if you are interested.
Donate a Door Prize
At this level, your sponsorship will include one ticket that can be used for you or a member of your staff. We will include your logo on the event page and on a slide during a scheduled break.
Silver Level $250
At this level, your sponsorship will include one ticket that can be used for you or a member of your team and one that can be donated to provide a full scholarship to an attendee who needs assistance. We will include your logo on the event page and on a slide during a scheduled break.
Gold Level $500
At this level, your sponsorship will include two tickets that can be used for you and your staff and two that can be donated to allow free scholarships to attendees who need assistance. We will also include your logo on the event page, and you may submit a 30-second video that will be shared during the event.
Platinum Level $1000
At this level, your sponsorship will include five tickets that can be used for you and your staff and five that can be donated to allow free scholarships to attendees who need assistance. We will also include your logo on the event page, and you will have the option to give a five-minute talk about your and/or your organization in the morning session.
If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor please sign up here or contact Guy Stephens.
Scholarships
Through the support of our sponsors we are hoping to offer several scholarship opportunities.
If you have a genuine financial need for this scholarship you are welcome to apply. We ask that you commit to attending the conference in its entirety if you are selected as a recipient. Please understand that your attendance is a crucial component of accepting this scholarship, and we ask you to pledge to fulfill this obligation to the best of your ability.
Get Tickets Today!
Are you excited and ready to join us for this amazing day of learning? What are you waiting for, it’s time to order your tickets.