Summit School staff had the opportunity to participate in an intensive, full-day training with the highly respected neurodiversity and behavioral intervention expert, Dr. Gregory Hanley. Known for his innovative approaches to behavior assessment and intervention, Dr. Hanley’s visit marks a significant step in Summit’s ongoing commitment to providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based practices for supporting students with neurodevelopmental differences.
Dr. Hanley is renowned for his Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) models, which prioritize student dignity, autonomy, and individualized approaches to challenging behaviors. His methods are reshaping the landscape of behavioral interventions, moving away from traditional compliance-based strategies and toward more compassionate, student-centered approaches.
“Our focus should always be on helping children communicate their needs and find effective, respectful ways to manage their own behavior. The goal is not control, but collaboration,” Dr. Hanley often emphasizes when discussing his approach to behavioral intervention.
The training provided Summit’s dedicated staff with tools and insights that directly benefit students, enhancing the overall educational environment. By learning these innovative techniques, staff are better equipped to support students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic development, ensuring that each student’s unique needs are met with understanding and care.
Herman Erdogmus, Summit School's Director General, underscored the importance of such training opportunities for staff: “Providing our educators with the latest, research-backed training is essential. It ensures that our staff not only remain at the forefront of educational and therapeutic interventions but that our students benefit from the most compassionate and effective approaches available.”
As Summit continues to invest in cutting-edge professional development, the school solidifies its role as a leader in neurodiverse education, fostering an environment where all students can thrive.
