Parent Carer ‘Differences not Disabilities’ – Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies Workshop
The Parent Carers receiving support from Carers’ Support East Kent attended the Parent Carer Workshop at Whitfield Village Hall on Monday 1st December 2025
It was a fabulous opportunity for our Parent Carers to connect with each other, have refreshments and meet our Guest Speakers: Kurt King & Michelle Elliott, founders of ‘Differences Not Disabilities’.
Kurt & Michelle aimed to equip our Parent Carers with practical, evidence-based strategies to understand & manage their children’s behaviour.
The session introduced the Kaplan and Wheeler Assault Cycle—a model that breaks behaviour into five phases: Green, Yellow, Red, Post Anger, Discussion, and Blue.
Parent Carers learnt to:
- Recognise early signs of distress,
- apply preventative strategies to avoid escalation,
- respond safely during crisis moments,
- support emotional recovery and rebuild trust post-incident.
The workshop was interactive and used real-life examples and group discussions making learning relatable. It aligned with the principles of the Restraint Reduction Network, promoting dignity, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing for neurodivergent individuals. Our Parent Carers left with increased confidence, practical tools, a handout and sensory toys to support ongoing application in daily life.
The Parent Carers also had an opportunity to meet with our Carer Money Matters Team who can support with ways to maximise income, provided practical tips on reducing your bills, carry out benefit checks and support with grants and reducing debt.
The Parent Carer Support Coordinator was also available and can provide emotional support, signposting and referrals to external organisations for any Parent Carers who want advice and guidance around SEND conditions, liaising with schools, professionals and EHCP’s.
Please feel free to contact us at Carers’ Support East Kent if you are over 18 and caring for someone who is under 18 who is ill, has a disability or experiences mental health or substance misuse issues and would like further support in your care role.
“Really informative workshop, facilitators were very knowledgeable and gave informed case studies to consolidate my understanding, thank you! I wish I had been able to attend this session years ago…….pace and content were tip top’’
We look forward to hearing from you or meeting you at one of our Parent Carer Workshops!