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The Vancouver Island Conference on Behavioural, Developmental and Emotional Challenges with Children & Adolescents

Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych and Cara Daily, Ph.D. and Kathy Morris, M.Ed.

Monday, April 28, 2025 – Wednesday, April 30, 2025  |  , ,


 

Date & Location

Monday, April 28, 2025 – Wednesday, April 30, 2025

8:30am – 4:00pm

Sandman Inn Hotel Victoria

2852 Douglas Street., Victoria, BC

phone:  250.388.0788

website:  www.sandmanhotels.com

 Full map & directions


Registration on this page is for live in-person attendance only. To attend virtually please register here: https://webinars.jackhirose.com/product/victoria-conf/ 

Live In-Person Conference

  • Complimentary tea, coffee and assorted pastries
  • On-site exhibitors

Please note, in-person registration does not include access to the live stream or recorded footage.

Live Stream from Home


Who Should Attend

Education and Clinical Professionals: All education and mental health or healthcare professionals who work with children or youth including, but not limited to K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors, Learning Assistance/Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers • All other professionals who support behavioural challenges and complex learning needs including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers and Community Police Officers.


Day One – April 28, 2025


Oppositional, Defiant and Explosive Behaviours: Transforming Challenges for Long Term Success
Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych

8:30am - 11:45am   April 28, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

While occasional defiance and emotional outbursts are a normal part of child development, they become concerning when they are frequent, intense, and interfere with a child’s ability to function at home, school, or in relationships. Behavioural disorders are the most common mental health issue in children, often co-occurring with other conditions, and can lead to long-term difficulties if left unaddressed.
Early intervention is key to promoting social, emotional, and behavioural well-being. This workshop is designed for anyone working with children and youth facing behavioural challenges, including clinicians, educators, and families. Participants will gain an understanding of these behaviours, their root causes, and the limitations of current approaches. The workshop will also provide practical, evidence-based strategies that can be immediately applied to support children and youth in various settings. Boost your confidence with creating positive, supportive environments that encourage desirable behaviours, enhance communication, and foster conflict resolution skills.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing children’s behaviour.
  • Master the principles and practices of positive behaviour support.
  • Develop skills to create supportive relationships and environments that promote adaptive behaviours.
  • Implement effective intervention strategies to manage and transform behaviours.
  • Develop effective skills to handle any situation without escalation.
  • Develop effective skills to handle any situation without escalation.

This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support children and youth facing behavioural challenges and to create environments that foster growth, resilience, and long-term success.

AGENDA

Laying the Foundations: Understanding Behaviours

  • Understanding the adaptive nature of behaviours
  • Identifying the role of emotions on behaviours, along with the sources, signs, and impact of stress on functioning
  • Differentiating between misbehaviour and stress behaviour
  • Discovering why most behavioural interventions fail
  • Creating supportive relationships and environments that promote positive behaviours
  • Strengthening core skills to address all behavioural challenges
  • Mastering effective proactive strategies to promote positive behaviours
Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych

Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych, is a psychologist. Mother. Professor. International Speaker. Yoda of Anxiety. ADHD Superhero. And Changer of Lives. With nearly three decades of experience, she is a recognized expert in resilience and the social, emotional, and behavioural well-being…

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Anxiety Solutions: Practical Strategies for Resilience, Confidence and Coping Skills in Children and Youth
Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych

12:45pm - 4:00pm   April 28, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Anxiety has reached epidemic levels and is now the most common mental health challenge among children and teens. Unfortunately, many children go untreated until anxiety escalates into more severe issues, such as depression, social difficulties, and behavioural problems. Early intervention is crucial, but many parents, teachers, and professionals miss the signs of anxiety or unintentionally reinforce the anxiety cycle.
This workshop is designed for anyone working with children and teens struggling with anxiety. Through a transdiagnostic lens, participants will gain a deep understanding of how anxiety manifests and how to intervene effectively. Special attention will be given to the unique stressors faced by children and adolescents today, including pressures from technology and social media. Participants will also learn why common strategies may inadvertently worsen anxiety and, more importantly, how to help kids build resilience, confidence, and coping skills to overcome their fears.
This workshop will provide clinicians, educators, and families with the tools needed to address and manage anxiety in children and teens effectively. Participants will leave with practical strategies, a deeper understanding of anxiety, and confidence in their ability to support young people in building resilience and overcoming fear.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Recognize the unique stressors impacting children and teens today
  • Differentiate between normal worries and problematic anxiety
  • Identify the root causes of anxiety and what maintains it
  • Explore the limitations of traditional approaches to anxiety treatment
  • Discover experiential tools and techniques to help children face their fears
  • Learn to use the Anxiety Compass framework to create individualized strategies for managing anxiety

AGENDA

  • The Pressure of Gen Z & Gen Alpha: Technostress and the modern challenges kids face
  • Normal vs. Problematic Worry: How to identify when anxiety becomes a problem
  • Avoiding Common Anxiety Traps: Mistakes to avoid when addressing anxiety
  • The Anxiety Compass: A step-by-step protocol for addressing anxiety in real-time
  • The Role of Relationships: How connection and support impact anxiety management
  • Developing the Problem-Solving Brain: Strengthening coping skills instead of reinforcing fear
  • Stress Inoculation & Exposure: Gradual exposure to fears to reduce sensitivity
  • Overcoming Anxiety Meltdowns: What to do in the heat of an anxiety attack
  • Building Healthy Anxiety-Busting Habits: Lifestyle changes that reduce anxiety

This workshop will provide clinicians, educators, and families with the tools needed to address and manage anxiety in children and teens effectively. Participants will leave with practical strategies, a deeper understanding of anxiety, and confidence in their ability to support young people in building resilience and overcoming fear.


Day Two – April 29, 2025


Understanding Autism and Social Communication Disorder
Presented by Cara Daily, Ph.D.

8:30am - 11:45am   April 29, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In Part 1 of this one-day workshop, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Disorder (SCD). Autism expert and author Cara Daily, PhD, BCBA will guide attendees through the diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and the brain function related to both disorders, providing participants with a strong foundation for working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

This session will focus on recognizing the unique behaviors and challenges individuals with ASD and SCD face. Participants will learn how to differentiate between autism and social communication disorder, as well as how to assess and diagnose these conditions using tools like the DSM-5® and ICD-11. Attendees will also explore the various comorbidities that may accompany these disorders, such as ADHD, learning disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Through hands-on activities, participants will experience firsthand what it’s like to live with ASD, examining the challenges their clients, students, or patients face. This workshop will also explore brain function in autism, allowing participants to grasp the neurological underpinnings that contribute to the social communication and behavioral difficulties seen in individuals with autism.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Disorder (SCD) using DSM-5® and ICD-11.
  • Overview of assessment tools for evaluating communication, social behaviors, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
  • Understanding brain function in autism and social communication disorder.
  • Recognizing and understanding comorbidities (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities).
  • Identifying and categorizing challenging behaviors in individuals with autism and social communication disorder.
  • Hands-on activities to experience what it’s like to live with ASD.

By the end of this session, participants will have the knowledge to diagnose ASD and SCD more accurately and gain tools to assess these disorders more effectively in their work.

Cara Daily, Ph.D.

Cara Marker Daily, PhD, BCBA, is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience providing assessment and treatment for children, adolescents and young adults with autism in the home, school, hospital and community settings. She…

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Managing Challenging Behaviours and Enhancing Social Communication: Evidence-Based Interventions and Practical Strategies for ASD and SCD
Presented by Cara Daily, Ph.D.

12:45pm - 4:00pm   April 29, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Part 2 of this one-day workshop will focus on evidence-based interventions and practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors and enhancing social communication in children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Disorder (SCD). Building on the foundational knowledge from Part 1, this session will focus on practical, hands-on tools to support behavior change, teach social communication skills, and create supportive environments in home, school, and community settings.

Dr. Cara Marker Daily will explore behavioral strategies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for promoting self-regulation and reducing anxiety. Participants will learn how to integrate social communication interventions such as PECS, turn-taking, and social skills training into their practices.

Additionally, participants will focus on modifying environmental factors (both home and classroom settings) to support the individual’s growth and behavior management. Emphasis will be placed on creating environments that promote social skills development and reduce triggers for challenging behaviors. Special attention will also be given to preparing children and young adults with ASD and SCD for independent living and adulthood, addressing topics like sex education, work readiness, and transitioning to the workforce.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Behavioral Interventions: Implementing ABA and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and teach new, appropriate behaviors.
  • Social Communication Interventions: Using PECS, turn-taking, and social skills classes to improve social interactions.
  • Modifying the home, classroom, and community environments to promote behavior change and social skills.
  • Teaching Self-Regulation: Using self-regulation techniques to reduce anxiety and improve behavior.
  • Strategies for teaching independent living skills, including sex education, job readiness, and preparing for adulthood.
  • Understanding how to handle transition planning to prepare individuals with ASD for adulthood and workforce inclusion.
  • Identifying and addressing real-life issues such as sex education, relationship skills, and managing anxiety and social challenges in adulthood.

Day Three – April 30, 2025


Intervention Strategies to Improve Self-Regulation and Executive Function
Presented by Kathy Morris, M.Ed.

8:30am - 11:45am   April 30, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Do you work with children and adolescents who struggle with attention, organization, transitions, and planning? Are you looking for effective strategies to help students who often act out, get overwhelmed, or struggle to understand the consequences of their actions? These challenges often stem from deficits in Executive Functioning (EF)—a critical set of cognitive skills needed for self-regulation and goal-directed behaviour.

The good news is that Executive Functioning can be taught and strengthened!

In this hands-on workshop, Kathy Morris, M.Ed., B.S., an international speaker, speech therapist, and educator with over 42 years of experience, will guide you through evidence-based strategies to improve EF skills in children and adolescents. Kathy will introduce metacognitive and self-regulation techniques that use visual aids and interactive activities to improve key skills such as:

  • Inhibitory Control: Helping students pause before acting to control impulses.
  • Adaptability: Building resilience and the ability to cope with changes.
  • Mental Flexibility: Encouraging problem-solving and task switching.
  • Executive Attention: Improving focus, prioritization, and task completion.
  • Emotional Control: Managing frustration and anxiety during emotionally charged situations.
  • Social Skills: Enhancing communication and peer interactions.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand Executive Functioning (EF):
    Define EF and its role in self-regulation and goal-directed behavior, identifying common deficits in children and adolescents.
  • Identify EF Challenges:
    Recognize behaviors stemming from EF deficits, including difficulties with attention, organization, transitions, planning, and understanding consequences.
  • Learn Evidence-Based Strategies:
    Explore research-supported techniques to improve inhibitory control, adaptability, mental flexibility, executive attention, emotional control, and social skills.
  • Implement Metacognitive and Self-Regulation Techniques:
    Apply visual aids and interactive activities to teach students to reflect on their thinking and regulate their actions.
  • Support Emotional Regulation:
    Equip students with tools to manage frustration, anxiety, and other strong emotions in emotionally charged situations.
  • Foster Resilience and Flexibility:
    Develop students’ abilities to adapt to change, solve problems, and switch tasks effectively.
  • Enhance Social and Communication Skills:
    Teach strategies to improve peer interactions and build meaningful relationships.
  • Facilitate Goal-Directed Behavior:
    Support students in setting, prioritizing, and completing tasks to achieve long-term goals.
  • Promote Classroom Success:
    Integrate EF strategies into classroom routines to reduce acting out, overwhelm, and disruptive behaviors.
  • Empower Educators and Caregivers:
    Provide tools and practical strategies for teachers and caregivers to support EF skill development in everyday settings.
Kathy Morris, M.Ed.

Kathy Morris, M.Ed., has been a speech therapist, teacher for self-contained programs (including students with autism, severe behavioural difficulties, and cerebral palsy), resource teacher and first grade teacher. She was also a diagnostician/supervisor for all grade levels. She was a LIFE…

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De-Escalating Behaviour in the Classroom: Intervention Strategies for After the Meltdown
Presented by Kathy Morris, M.Ed.

12:45pm - 4:00pm   April 30, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Witnessing a child spiral into an emotional meltdown can be one of the most challenging moments in the classroom. Children with autism, ADHD, and other executive function difficulties often struggle with emotional regulation, leading to outbursts that disrupt learning and social interactions. These behaviours can leave educators, parents, and caregivers feeling frustrated and uncertain about how to help.
This 3-hour workshop is designed for educators, parents, and caregivers who want to learn effective, research-based strategies for intervening when a child’s behaviour escalates. If you’ve seen children removed from class or sent to timeout, missing valuable learning and social time, this session will provide the tools you need to respond more effectively.
Led by Kathy Morris, M.Ed., B.S., a seasoned expert with over 45 years of experience working with children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental challenges, this workshop offers practical strategies for managing meltdowns, tantrums, and challenging behaviours caused by sensory overload and emotional dysregulation.
Participants will learn how to use visual supports, hands-on techniques, and structured routines to help children regain self-regulation and prevent future outbursts. The course focuses on fostering positive behaviours, enhancing self-regulation skills, and improving the overall quality of life for neurodiverse children.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have an actionable plan and the tools needed to de-escalate behaviour, support emotional regulation, and guide children toward positive replacement behaviours—helping them thrive both academically and socially.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Identify the causes of emotional meltdowns in children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental challenges, including sensory overload and emotional dysregulation.
  • Understand and apply research-based intervention strategies to de-escalate emotional outbursts and challenging behaviors in real-time.
  • Learn how to implement visual supports, hands-on techniques, and structured routines to improve emotional self-regulation in neurodiverse children.
  • Develop strategies to prevent future meltdowns by fostering positive replacement behaviors and enhancing executive function skills.
  • Create a personalized, actionable plan to respond effectively to emotional outbursts, ensuring children remain engaged in learning and social interactions.
  • Support a child’s long-term development by encouraging self-regulation skills that enhance their academic and social success.

Registration & Fees

Registration Early bird Fee Regular Fee
ONE DAY ENROLLMENT
Individual 1 Day Enrollment $319.00 $339.00
1 Day Group 3-7 $269.00 $289.00
1 Day Group 8-14 $244.00 $264.00
1 Day Group 15+ $219.00 $239.00
1 Day Full-Time Student $219.00 $239.00
TWO DAY ENROLLMENT
Individual 2 Day Enrollment $559.00 $579.00
2 Day Group 3-7 $509.00 $529.00
2 Day Group 8-14 $484.00 $504.00
2 Day Group 15+ $459.00 $479.00
2 Day Full-Time Student $459.00 $479.00
THREE DAY ENROLLMENT
Individual 3 Day Enrollment $739.00 $759.00
3 Day Group 3-7 $689.00 $709.00
3 Day Group 8-14 $664.00 $684.00
3 Day Group 15+ $639.00 $659.00
3 Day Full-Time Student $639.00 $659.00

All fees are per person and in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)

Fees do not include applicable taxes (5% GST).

Early bird cutoff date: March 28, 2025
To receive the early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Friday, March 28, 2025.


Please review our Registration Terms and Conditions for information on our cancellation policy, payment policies, rebates, and more. You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to register for a workshop or conference.


Register Online     Register your Group



Recommended Accommodation

Inn at Laural Point

680 Montreal St, Victoria, BC V8V 1Z8

phone:  250.386.8721 

website:  www.laurelpoint.com/

 Full map & directions


Our rates:

* Please check back at a later time as this information will be updated when corporate/group rates are secured.


Sandman Inn Hotel Victoria

2852 Douglas Street., Victoria, BC

phone:  250.388.0788

website:  www.sandmanhotels.com

 Full map & directions


Our rates:

* Please check back at a later time as this information will be updated when corporate/group rates are secured.



When booking hotel rooms, ask for the Jack Hirose and Associates corporate rate. To receive our corporate rate, rooms must be booked one month prior to the workshop date. Please keep in mind hotel rates may fluctuate.


Continuing Education Credits

This workshop has been formally approved by the following associations:
  • Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

     Jack Hirose & Associates is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Jack Hirose & Associates maintains responsibility for the program.

† The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) accept CPA-approved CEUs.

* Participants will receive a certificate of completion after every workshop. Workshops are pre-approved for 5.5 or 6 credits per day unless otherwise specified.

Please check back closer to the conference date for more information.