Reducing Spitting

In this episode, Clare talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about reducing spitting.

They discuss the contextual factors that can lead to spitting and explore what this behaviour might be communicating. They also highlight the fact that reducing spitting is not a ‘quick fix’ but is an ongoing and individualised process.

Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities.

When he worked as a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, Dave developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity, and rights.

You can find Dave on LinkedIn.

He also shares three tips during the episode:

• We need to take an individualised approach to spitting, remembering that what works for one person may not work for another.
• There is a need to balance ‘in the moment’ safety with longer-term solutions, to keep everyone safe.
• Work together as a team to reflect on what an individual might be trying to communicate with this behaviour.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.

Find out how Team Teach can help your organisation.

The Team Teach podcast is created in the UK, adhering to UK law and guidance. Practitioners should exercise their professional judgment to determine the appropriateness of any Team Teach material for their specific sector and geographic region, and be aware of the applicable laws and guidelines governing their organisation.