Opening Doors to Safer and More Inclusive Schools

Book Studies

We have a fantastic opportunity if you want to learn more and connect with like-minded individuals.

Building community through personal and professional growth

At the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, we deeply value learning and connection. We invite you to join a wonderful opportunity to engage with like-minded parents, educators, and self-advocates through our book studies. These sessions provide a space to explore a variety of topics related to our mission while building supportive relationships.

Over five weeks, participants meet for one hour each week on Zoom with our skilled facilitators to discuss the selected book. In the final session, we are pleased to welcome the book authors themselves, offering you a unique chance to connect, ask questions, and deepen your understanding. We are also excited to offer an asynchronous option via our learning management system for added flexibility and discovery.

Here is some feedback we heard from a previous book study.

“The group is great feels like a supportive community with varied experiences and commonalities coming together. Also getting to chat and hear from the authors themselves is amazing.”

Book Study Participant

To support our book study program, we charge a modest fee of $25. This helps cover the costs of developing and maintaining the program. We understand financial barriers, so limited scholarships are available for those unable to pay the fee (please note, scholarships cover only the program fee, not the cost of the book). Your participation helps us continue offering valuable learning and connection opportunities in pursuit of safer, more inclusive schools.

Space is limited. We recommend you sign up early and get these on your calendar.
We now have series pricing, see details below!
Join the Alliance for discounts and free book studies.

Here is our upcoming schedule for 2026:

Registration for 2026 Book Studies is Now Open!

General Book Study Program

Our General Book Study Program is an inclusive space designed for everyone—parents, educators, self-advocates, students, and related professionals. This program offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences while exploring vital topics connected to our mission. Together, participants deepen their understanding through rich discussions. We have four exciting books planned for 2026, and we warmly invite you to join us in this enriching community experience that fosters learning and connection for all.

Punished by Rewards

Alfie Kohn

Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn critically examines the widespread use of rewards and incentives in education, parenting, and workplaces. Kohn argues that while rewards may produce short-term compliance, they ultimately undermine intrinsic motivation and creativity. Based on extensive research, he shows how incentives can decrease genuine interest in tasks, lead to lower-quality work, and damage relationships by fostering control and competition rather than cooperation. Praise, often considered harmless, can act as a form of verbal bribery, making individuals dependent on external approval. The book challenges the conventional belief in behaviorist motivation and offers alternative approaches that promote authentic engagement and learning beyond the carrot-and-stick model. It is a seminal work advocating for motivation based on interest and personal growth rather than external rewards.

Punished By Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes
Dates: 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Through Our Lens: Perspectives On Disability

Rebecca Engle, Kevin Allen, Stacy Badon, Chantelle Hyde, and Others

Through Our Lens is an anthology that brings together personal stories from individuals with a variety of disabilities, offering a powerful, multifaceted look at the lived experiences of people navigating the world with physical, mental, sensory, and invisible disabilities. Each chapter features a unique voice, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities faced by those who are often marginalized in society. From those with neurodiversity, like autism and ADHD, to individuals with chronic conditions, mobility impairments, and intellectual disabilities, this collection celebrates the diversity within the disability community. These stories not only share personal journeys but also touch on themes of identity, self-advocacy, intersectionality, disability pride, and the ongoing fight for inclusion and equality.

Through Our Lens: Perspectives On Disability
Dates: 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Declarative Language Handbook

Linda K. Murphy

The Declarative Language Handbook: Using a Thoughtful Language Style to Help Kids with Social Learning Challenges Feel Competent, Connected, and Understood by Linda K. Murphy is a practical guide for parents, educators, and therapists. It advocates shifting from imperative language—commands and questions—to declarative language, which uses observations, comments, and statements. This style reduces the pressure and defensiveness often triggered by demands, empowering children to think, interpret, and respond more independently. The book offers clear examples and strategies to transform everyday communications into opportunities for social learning, helping kids with social challenges feel more competent and understood. It emphasizes pacing and thoughtful delivery to enhance connection and supports fostering autonomy, resilience, and stronger relationships through mindful language use.

Declarative Language Handbook: Using a Thoughtful Language Style to Help Kids with Social Learning Challenges Feel Competent, Connected, and Understood
Dates: 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Beyond Behaviors (Second Edition 2026)

Mona Delahooke PhD

Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke integrates brain science with compassionate strategies to help adults understand children’s challenging behaviors. The book emphasizes that behavior is a form of communication reflecting underlying neurological and emotional states rather than simply defiance or willfulness. Delahooke encourages caregivers to look “beyond behaviors” to the root causes, such as sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, or trauma. Practical strategies focus on regulation, connection, and addressing the whole child—brain, body, and emotions—rather than punitive responses. The approach fosters empathy and problem-solving, aiming to help children feel safe, supported, and capable of self-regulation and growth. This book offers a transformative framework for understanding and supporting children with behavioral challenges compassionately and effectively.

Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges (Second Edition)
Dates: 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

General Series Book Study Bundle

Want to attend all of the general series book studies? Buy the bundle and save 20%.

Participation Cost: $80 (does not include the books)
Register for the General Series Bundle

Educators Book Study Program

Our Educators Book Study Program is designed specifically for educators and facilitated by experienced educators. These book studies offer a collaborative space to explore important topics related to trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-driven, and collaborative approaches. Participants engage in thoughtful discussions, share strategies, and reflect on classroom applications. The program fosters professional growth and connection among peers, supporting educators in applying new ideas to their own teaching practice. Join us to deepen your knowledge and connect with a community dedicated to positive educational change.

Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom

Kara Dymond

Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom: Easy Ways to Achieve Access, Agency, and Wellbeing for All by Kara Dymond offers a transformative approach to education where all brains are welcomed without the notion of “normal.” The book provides practical, brain-based strategies and illustrative examples for educators to implement inclusive teaching that supports neurodivergent and neurotypical learners alike. It emphasizes teaching students about neurodiversity, metacognition, and self-advocacy alongside academic content. Dymond highlights fostering connection, accessibility, and student agency to create classrooms where students feel competent, understood, and empowered. Real stories from teachers and neurodivergent students enrich the guide, making it a compassionate, actionable resource for creating supportive, strength-based learning environments that cultivate wellbeing and collaboration for every student.

Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom: Easy Ways to Achieve Access, Agency and Wellbeing for All
Dates: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Body and Brain Brilliance

Lori L. Desautels

Body and Brain Brilliance: A Manual to Cultivate Awareness and Practices for Our Nervous Systems by Lori Desautels offers a neuroscience-based guide for educators and caregivers to understand and support nervous system regulation. The manual emphasizes the impact of adult and child nervous system states on behavior, highlighting how nervous system health influences social-emotional learning and resilience. It provides practical strategies for fostering co-regulation, self-awareness, and a trauma-informed classroom environment. Through practices grounded in polyvagal theory, the book helps users recognize the hierarchy of nervous system states—from social engagement to fight/flight to shutdown—and how to create safety and connection to support regulation. This thoughtful manual is essential for enhancing wellbeing, reducing stress, and improving relationships in educational and caregiving settings.

Body and Brain Brilliance: A Manual to Cultivate Awareness and Practices for Our Nervous Systems
Dates: 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3,6/10
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Regulation and Co-Regulation

Ginger Healy

15-Minute Focus: Regulation and Co-Regulation: Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies that Bring Calm into the Classroom by Ginger Healy, LCSW, provides educators with practical, brain-based tools to support emotional regulation and build resilience in students. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Healy shares clear, accessible explanations of neuroscience concepts like co-regulation—the process through which adults support children’s nervous system regulation. This book offers brief, effective strategies to create calm, safe, and connected classroom environments that honor neurodiversity and trauma-informed principles. With heartfelt stories, discussion points, and easy-to-implement techniques, it serves as a compassionate guide for educators and caregivers seeking to foster student well-being, improve classroom behavior, and enhance learning through connection rather than control.

15-Minute Focus: Regulation and Co-Regulation: Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies that Bring Calm into the Classroom
Dates: 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 9/2
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Your FBA is a Fantasy!

Doris and Rick Bowman

“Your FBA is a Fantasy!: A Guidebook to Creating Truly Trauma-Informed Behavior Support Plans” by Rick and Doris Bowman bridges trauma theory with practical school applications, earning praise from Dr. Arielle Schwartz for its depth in supporting students whose behaviors signal nervous system distress through embodiment and relational repair. Say goodbye to punishment- and compliance-driven interventions. This neuroscience-aligned guide equips teachers, psychologists, administrators, and counselors to identify dysregulation and trauma, conduct root-cause Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and build strengths-based Behavior Support Plans that foster self-regulation, skills, and relationships for lasting change. Grounded in research yet accessible for all educators, it creates healing classroom environments—especially for neurodivergent and trauma-impacted students. Comes with portal access to 30+ templates, step-by-step guides, and real-school case examples to bridge research to real-world impact.

Your FBA is a Fantasy!: A Guidebook to Creating Truly Trauma-Informed, Neuro-Affirming Functional Behavior Assessments & Behavior Support Plans
Dates: 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $25 (does not include the book)
Purchase the Book
Register for Book Study

Educator Series Book Study Bundle

Want to attend all of the educator book studies? Buy the bundle and save 20%.

Participation Cost: $80 (does not include the book)
Register for the Educator Series Bundle

Study Groups

Study groups are shorter and are generally focused on a free article or resource. Each study groups includes three weekly one hour Zoom meeting and access to our learning management system for access to course materials including additional content to explore. Study groups are a great way to engage with fellow participants, share experiences, and grow in our personal and professional practices.

The Dark Side of Rewards, Part 1: Why Incentives Do More Harm Than Good in the Classroom

Connie Persike

The article “The Dark Side of Rewards: Why Incentives Do More Harm than Good in the Classroom” by Connie Persike critically examines the negative impacts of reward-based behavior management in education. It highlights how rewards decrease intrinsic motivation by shifting focus to external incentives rather than genuine interest, and increase anxiety and shame among students. Rewards foster feelings of control and dependency on external validation, promote a fixed mindset, and can dampen generosity and authenticity in children. The article also explains how rewards mask underlying behavior issues instead of addressing root causes related to brain and body regulation. Experts featured, including Alfie Kohn and Ginger Healy, advocate for relationship-building, intrinsic motivation, and trauma-informed strategies as more effective, compassionate alternatives to reward systems. The piece encourages parents and educators to challenge reward-based approaches and foster supportive, connected learning environments.

The Dark Side of Rewards, Part 1: Why Incentives Do More Harm Than Good in the Classroom
Dates: 2/9, 2/16, 2/23
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $15
Article Link: https://endseclusion.org/2023/05/06/the-dark-side-of-rewards-why-incentives-do-more-harm-than-good-in-the-classroom/
Register for Study Group

Neurodiversity, Behavior, and the Problem with PBIS

Ande Quercus

The article “Neurodiversity, Behavior, and the Problem with PBIS” explores how Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) often fall short in addressing the needs of neurodivergent students. It emphasizes that neurodiversity includes varied neurological profiles affecting perception, regulation, and behavior. PBIS tends to treat all behavior as voluntary and motivated by getting or avoiding something, ignoring involuntary behaviors and the complexities of neurodivergence. This approach can lead to misinterpretations and increased trauma for students, as it fails to account for differences in nervous system responses and stress triggers. The article calls for neuroinclusive environments that recognize diverse ways of being and learning, promote curiosity over assumptions, and shift focus from controlling behavior to understanding root causes. True inclusion requires adapting expectations and supports based on individual neurodiverse needs.

Neurodiversity, Behavior, and the Problem with PBIS
Dates: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $15
Article Link: https://endseclusion.org/2024/05/18/neurodiversity-behavior-and-the-problem-with-pbis/
Register for Study Group

Unsnarling PBIS and Trauma‑Informed Education

Rhiannon M. Kim and Alex Shevrin Venet

The article “Unsnarling PBIS and Trauma-Informed Education” critically examines the widespread use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and its incompatibility with authentic trauma-informed education (TIE). The authors argue that PBIS, despite its promise, functions as a system that labels, punishes, and surveils students, often reinforcing racist and ableist norms. They highlight that PBIS’s behaviorist foundations focus on compliance and use punitive measures, which contradict the core trauma-informed values of safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. This framework often results in hyper-surveillance, hyper-punishment, and inequities for marginalized students, especially students of color and disabled youth. The article calls for educators to reject PBIS and instead adopt culturally sustaining, justice-oriented trauma-informed pedagogies that center asset-based views of students and communities, fostering healing and liberation rather than control and conformity.

Unsnarling PBIS and Trauma‑Informed Education
Dates: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Time: 7 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Participation Cost: $15
Article Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1882oo9Rv5a6hLzuKSDWoV4RLX1CtQ4Ck/view
Register for Study Group

Graduate Credit for Participating

The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR) is now offering participants the opportunity to earn graduate credits for completing our book studies. In partnership with Heart-Strong International (HSI), you can receive one graduate semester hour from the University of the Pacific for each book study you complete, simply by attending the sessions and submitting a reflection paper on how you plan to implement what you’ve learned.

This new option is perfect for educators and professionals seeking both personal growth and formal recognition for their learning. The process is simple: participate in an AASR book study, complete your reflection paper, and follow the steps to apply for graduate credit through Courses4Teachers and the University of the Pacific for just $99 per book study.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying book purchases. Links on this page to purchase books from Amazon.com

Book Studies