Spot the Signs: Prevent Behaviour Escalation Early

In this solo episode, Andy Baker breaks down the early indicators of distress—the subtle “bottom of the rollercoaster” cues most of us miss before behaviour escalates. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or carer, you’ll learn how to recognise micro-signals, why early intervention is everything, and exactly what to say and do in those first crucial moments to prevent crisis, protect relationships, and build trust.

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🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

• Think Bike campaign video – awareness analogy Andy references

• Key concepts: Polyvagal Theory, Window of Tolerance, Crisis Development Model, Co-regulation

🧠 Three Key Messages

1. Early beats urgent. Escalation rarely comes “out of the blue.” Spot baseline deviations early (posture, tone, fidgeting) to intervene before the “click-click-click” climb.

2. Respond, don’t react. Use calm tone, gentle noticing (“I see you tapping—are you okay?”) and small adjustments to redirect stress.

3. Connection is the brake. Empathy, predictability and co-regulation calm faster than control or confrontation.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

• 00:00 – Hook: invisible escalation & the rollercoaster metaphor

• 00:28 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK

• 01:49 – Why “out of the blue” behaviour is a myth

• 02:10 – Escalation model: intervene before the climb

• 03:02 – Cinema story: how timing changes the outcome

• 04:32 – Why late intervention is harder (polyvagal & tolerance window)

• 06:28 – Knowing a person’s baseline to spot deviations

• 07:05 – Universal & individual micro-cues (fidgeting, eye contact, silence, self-soothing)

• 09:34 – Don’t “park” early signs—proactive saves time & safety

• 11:04 – Scripts: what to say without provoking

• 12:28 – Co-regulation & calming tools (breaks, activities, sensory adjustments)

• 13:52 – Awareness vs. “code white” autopilot

• 14:43 – Regulation as a skill, not defiance

• 15:30 – Challenge: spot your “bottom of the rollercoaster” cues

• 16:40 – Classroom example + Think Bike analogy

• 18:01 – Wrap up

🎯 Why Listen to This Episode?

• Learn how to spot escalation before crisis

• Get scripts & strategies you can use right away at home, school, or care settings

• Protect relationships and trust while preventing harm

🔗 Connect with Us

📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

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