Beyond Behavior: A Paradigm Rooted in Compassion
In a world that often prioritizes compliance over connection, the Self-Reg framework developed by Dr. Stuart Shanker offers a compassionate shift—one that asks us to look beneath behavior and tend to the stressors that shape it. For educators, caregivers, and advocates invested in creating neuroinclusive learning environments, Self-Reg is not just a tool; it's a lens—a way of seeing and supporting neurodivergents with deep respect for their internal landscapes.
Traditional approaches to behavior often begin with the question, “How do we stop this?” Self-Reg invites a radically different question: “Why is this happening?” and “What stress might this child be carrying?” This orientation centers curiosity, not control. It honors the lived experiences of neurodivergent learners—many of whom are navigating complex sensory environments, emotional landscapes, and social expectations often not designed with their nervous systems in mind.
