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About
Kurt King brings a practical and honest perspective to conversations about behaviour, distress, and crisis in SEND environments. While many discussions focus on theory alone, Kurt’s work is grounded in real world experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs in situations where behaviour can escalate rapidly. Through his work with Differences Not Disabilities, Kurt supports parents, schools, and professionals to better understand behaviour as communication and to respond safely and ethically when individuals experience distress. His presentations bridge the gap between research and frontline practice, helping audiences translate behavioural theory into practical approaches that work in real environments such as schools, care settings, and community services. Kurt’s talks are engaging, thoughtful, and practical. Audiences leave with a clearer understanding of why behaviour escalates, how crisis situations develop, and what professionals can do to reduce escalation while maintaining safety, dignity, and restraint reduction principles.
SEND Crisis management
SEND Crisis Management Supporting individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities can involve moments where distress escalates quickly and professionals must respond calmly, safely, and ethically. In these situations, understanding the causes of behaviour and knowing how to respond appropriately is essential. This presentation explores practical approaches to managing crisis situations involving individuals with SEND, including those with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. The session focuses on recognising the early stages of escalation, understanding behaviour as communication, and using de escalation strategies that prioritise safety, dignity, and emotional regulation. Drawing on real world experience and evidence informed practice, the presentation examines how professionals can reduce risk, prevent situations from escalating further, and support individuals through crisis in a way that protects everyone involved. Participants will gain insight into how crisis develops, how environmental and relational factors influence behaviour, and how calm, structured responses can help restore safety and stability. Audience Teachers SEND professionals Care staff Healthcare professionals Social workers Parents and carers Key themes Understanding behaviour as communication Recognising escalation and early warning signs Practical de escalation strategies Supporting safety and dignity during crisis Post crisis recovery and support
Preventing Crisis in SEND: Understanding Behaviour Before It Escalates
Many behavioural crises do not occur suddenly. In most cases there are early signs of distress that, if recognised and understood, can allow professionals to intervene before situations escalate. This presentation explores how behaviour develops through stages of emotional escalation and how professionals can recognise the early indicators of distress in individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The session focuses on understanding behaviour as communication and identifying the environmental, relational, and emotional factors that can contribute to escalation. Drawing on real world practice, the presentation demonstrates how professionals can use communication, environmental adjustments, and supportive relationships to reduce anxiety and prevent crisis situations from developing. Participants will learn practical approaches that help create calmer environments, reduce triggers, and support emotional regulation in individuals who may struggle with communication, sensory processing, or overwhelming situations. Audience Teachers Teaching assistants SEND coordinators Care staff Healthcare professionals Social workers Parents and carers Key themes Recognising early signs of distress Understanding escalation stages Identifying triggers and environmental factors Supporting emotional regulation Preventing crisis situations before they occur
Violence and Distress in SEND Settings: Supporting Individuals and Staff
Professionals working in SEND environments often face situations where individuals become highly distressed and behaviour may become aggressive or unsafe. These moments can be extremely challenging for both the individual experiencing distress and the staff supporting them. This presentation explores the realities of working in environments where crisis behaviour can occur and examines how distress, communication difficulties, trauma, and environmental pressures can contribute to escalation. Rather than focusing on blame or control, the session encourages a deeper understanding of behaviour as communication and explores how professionals can respond in ways that prioritise safety, dignity, and compassion. The presentation also acknowledges the emotional impact these situations can have on staff. Supporting individuals in crisis requires calm decision making, emotional regulation, and strong professional relationships. The session explores how organisations can better support staff working in high stress environments while maintaining restraint reduction and ethical practice. Drawing on practical experience, the talk highlights how early intervention, relationship building, and structured de escalation approaches can reduce the likelihood of violence and help create safer environments for everyone involved. Audience Teachers SEND professionals Care staff Healthcare professionals Social workers Support workers Organisational leaders Key themes Understanding distress and aggression in SEND settings Behaviour as communication during crisis Supporting staff working in high stress environments Reducing escalation and risk of harm Promoting safety, dignity, and restraint reduction
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