MOOSE JAW — Practical strategies to understand and support children with autism and ADHD took centre stage during a presentation by Dr. Layne Pethick at the International Early Learning Conference earlier this month.
Dr. Pethick, a behavioural and autism spectrum disorders consultant from Texas, brought decades of research and real-world experience to his session, The Brain and Behaviour: The Early Years. With an engaging style and personal storytelling, he encouraged educators and caregivers to rethink how they approach behaviour and neurodiversity in early childhood.
“One of the best interventions for autism isn’t medication or therapy — it’s movement,” Pethick said. “Exercise regulates the nervous system, calms the body, and reduces stress and stereotypical behaviours.”
He highlighted the benefits of structured physical activities like martial arts, yoga, climbing, and those with repetitive movements for children with autism and ADHD. According to Pethick, these activities help develop focus, discipline, and self-regulation — essential skills for navigating life’s daily challenges.
Importantly, he stressed that these activities are most effective when they’re part of a child’s daily routine, ideally carried out with the support of family and peers rather than in clinical settings exclusively.
“Therapies are important, but nothing replaces family involvement,” he said. “A walk, a game, or a moment of connection — they all count.”
In addition to physical regulation, Pethick delved into the importance of emotional and social development through play. He cited research showing that shared play experiences can boost communication, foster social bonds, and improve behaviour — especially when adults are actively engaged in the process.
“Play is powerful,” he told attendees. “It’s how children process the world. When adults join them in that space, they’re doing more than just playing — they’re helping those children heal and grow.”
A significant part of Pethick’s talk also addressed the impact of trauma in early childhood. He explained how adverse experiences including neglect, instability, or abuse can shape a child’s emotional and neurological development in lasting ways. Recognizing and responding to those effects, he said, is essential to foster resilience and long-term well-小蓝视频.
Dr. Pethick concluded his talk with a moving story about a former student named Vanessa, who had experienced significant hardship in her early years. Through consistent support and connection, Vanessa not only overcame her challenges but was inspired by him to become a kindergarten teacher herself.
“She used to raise her hand in class when she needed help, and that hand became a symbol of connection and trust,” he recalled. “Years later, she was raising her hand at my office door in university, and now she’s raising up her own students.”
For educators and families, the message was clear: small, intentional actions — like regular physical activity, shared play, and consistent emotional support — can have a transformative impact on children navigating behavioural and developmental challenges. Pethick emphasized that incorporating movement-based activities such as martial arts or yoga into daily routines improves both focus and emotional regulation, while shared play fosters connection and communication.
He also urged caregivers to understand the lasting effects of early trauma, encouraging early recognition and compassionate, evidence-based responses. Stable support systems at home and in the classroom, he noted, are critical to helping children heal, build resilience, and thrive long-term.
“Behaviour is communication,” Pethick reminded the audience. “And the child who needs the most love will often ask for it in the most unloving ways.”
The International Early Learning Conference was held at the Temple Gardens Centre, located at 110 First Avenue Northeast. For more information, visit or reach out to Dr. Pethick on LinkedIn.
