As an adoptive parent and as a professional dedicated to supporting children, youth, and their families, I’ve spent years observing a significant gap in how we approach aggression, complex behaviours, and brain-based disabilities. This gap often leaves families feeling isolated, misunderstood, and without the effective, timely support they desperately need. It was this persistent observation, coupled with a deep desire to bridge that divide, that ultimately led me to write my new book, Decoding Aggression, Complex Behaviours, and Brain-Based Disabilities.
My primary motivation for writing this manual was to get the most current and impactful information directly into the hands of the professionals who work with these families every day.
Far too often, groundbreaking research and effective strategies remain confined to academic journals or specialized conferences, taking too long to filter down to the front lines where they can make a real difference. I envisioned a resource that would empower therapists, educators, social workers, medical professionals, and other caregivers with the latest understanding of aggression in children and youth, equipping them with the tools to provide truly effective and timely support.
The title itself, “Decoding Aggression,” speaks to the core of the book’s purpose. Aggression in children and youth is rarely a simple act. It’s often a complex communication, a symptom of underlying challenges, particularly when brain-based disabilities are present (like ADHD, complex developmental trauma, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Autism – to name a few). Without a comprehensive understanding of the neurological, developmental, and environmental factors at play, interventions can be ineffective, leading to frustration for both the child and their family.
But this book isn’t just about understanding the causes of aggression, it’s profoundly about supporting the entire family. When a child exhibits aggression or complex behaviours, the impact ripples through every aspect of family life. Parents often experience immense stress, burnout, and social isolation. Siblings may feel neglected or fearful. The family unit as a whole can struggle to maintain a sense of balance and well-being. This is why a central tenet of Decoding Aggression is the unwavering focus on the well-being of all family members impacted by these issues.
I firmly believe that effective support for the child is inextricably linked to robust support for their family. This means equipping professionals not only with strategies to address the child’s behaviours but also with the knowledge and empathy to support the parents, educate the siblings, and help the family navigate the systemic challenges they face. The book emphasizes a holistic, family-centered approach, recognizing that a child’s progress is often accelerated when their family feels empowered, understood, and adequately resourced.
So, who might benefit most from Decoding Aggression, Complex Behaviours, and Brain-Based Disabilities?
Professionals in a wide array of fields will find this manual invaluable:
· Educators and School Psychologists: To better understand and support students exhibiting aggression in the classroom, develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that are truly effective, and collaborate more effectively with families.
· Therapists (e.g., Psychologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists): To deepen their clinical understanding of aggression in the context of various brain-based disabilities, refine their intervention strategies, and provide more comprehensive family-based therapy.
· Medical Professionals (e.g., Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Neurologists): To gain a more nuanced understanding of the behavioral manifestations of neurological conditions and better guide families towards appropriate support services.
· Social Workers and Child Protection Workers: To enhance their ability to assess complex family dynamics, identify underlying needs, and connect families with appropriate community resources.
· Caregivers and Support Staff in Residential Settings: To implement consistent, informed, and compassionate approaches to managing challenging behaviours in their daily interactions.
Ultimately, I wrote Decoding Aggression, Complex Behaviours, and Brain-Based Disabilities out of a profound commitment to improving the lives of children, youth, and their families. It is my hope that this book will serve as a vital bridge, connecting cutting-edge knowledge with practical application, and empowering professionals to deliver the timely, effective, and truly family-centered support that every family deserves.
I have also dedicated this book to:
All family members who have experienced the worry, shame and isolation of caring for a child who struggles with keeping safe and healthy relationships: you are seen, believed and you are not alone.
Maude
You can find the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Decoding-Aggression-Behaviours-Brain-Based-Disabilities/dp/B0F9214CBZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OD69LLLGO2Y6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kVPzly11CtfGpuQzdiRElh2vLYHAKMcB_nUlVggLmsbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.zTY5nMhkYFfu5-vaQIkIEVvQ4i4NPpWMZ3ALsIzJGxQ&dib_tag
Find out more about Maude’s work and several resources on her website and social media pages: https://www.maudechampagne.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maude-champagne-363a322ba/
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