From Awareness to Action: A Conversation with Nancy Ceulemans on Understanding Children's Behavior

Apr 10, 2025

Nancy Ceulemans, a neurodevelopmental educational consultant and co-author of a book on supporting children with autism, provides valuable insights on understanding children's behavior. She discusses how sensory processing, environmental toxins, and holistic approaches affect behavior in both autistic and neurotypical kids. With practical tips for handling meltdowns and sensory overload, Nancy empowers parents and educators alike. Her expertise highlights the importance of compassionate strategies and a comprehensive view on child development.

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INSIGHT

Sensory, Motor, and Attachment

Sensory and motor systems, along with strong attachment, are crucial for a baby's development and neural network formation.
Irregularities in these systems can lead to irregularities in the developing neural network.

INSIGHT

Sensory Reactivity

Children's sensory systems can be hyper- or hypo-reactive, affecting their behavior.
Behaviors like covering ears or constant movement indicate sensory challenges.

ADVICE

Co-regulation with Children

Co-regulate with a dysregulated child by honoring their body language.
Support and accept their actions, like kicking during a meltdown, if safe.

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What if the key to understanding your child’s toughest behaviors isn’t just about discipline or routines – but about how their body and brain are processing the world around them?

In this episode of the New Books Network, Parenting Trainer Patrick Ney sits down with Nancy Ceulemans, neurodevelopmental educational consultant and co-author of From Awareness to Action – Empowering Early Childhood Educators to Support Children with Autism (2024). While the book is aimed at early childhood educators, the insights Nancy shares are just as powerful for parents of both autistic and neurotypical children.

Our conversation goes straight to the heart of the matter – why children act out in ways that often leave adults confused, overwhelmed, or stuck. Nancy brings decades of experience and a deeply holistic view of child development, tying together neuroscience, sensory integration, motor function, and family dynamics in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

– We talk about the impact of environmental toxins on children’s behavior – and some of the surprising sources many parents overlook

– Nancy explains how the sensory systems can be hypo- or hyper-reactive, and how this plays a major role in behaviors like meltdowns, shutdowns, or extreme reactions to everyday situations

– We offer practical tips for parents – whether your child is autistic or not – on what to do in the heat of a meltdown or when sensory issues are getting in the way of daily life

– Nancy dives into the role of muscle tone and motor systems in regulating emotions and behavior – something that’s rarely discussed but often the missing piece

– She also shares moving and insightful stories from her own life and clinical practice – including helping a child with selective mutism and working with a girl who refused to wear clothes, uncovering the hidden sensory cause behind it

The big message in this conversation is simple – when we look beyond the surface of behavior, we can start to understand what a child is really asking for. Whether your child is hitting, kicking, biting, spitting – or just struggling to cope with the world – this episode will give you new tools, new perspectives, and a deeper sense of connection.

Nancy Ceulemans is available for consultation at www.uniquelearning.ca

To learn with Patrick Ney in free Masterclasses, visit www.allaboutparenting.com

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