Our guest this week, Heather Erba co-founded ConnectEd Developmental Therapies nearly a decade ago. She has been working to redefine how we support children’s growth and development, particularly those with unique needs.
As the landscape of the neurodiversity movement and developmental therapies continue to evolve, Heather and her team have become a beacon of support for families, children, and even educators.
For educators, “Connected Classrooms” partners with Bay Area schools to change how teachers understand and respond to student behavior. With children and parents, ConnectEd supports regulation, resilience, and flexibility with services like family coaching, individual therapy, and group sessions.
The Brain-Aligned Approach at ConnectEd’s Core
At the heart of ConnectEd’s philosophy is the concept of the “brain-aligned” approach to behavior and development. This approach recognizes that each child’s brain is unique—in structure, function, and processing. Understanding these differences for each child is key to changing their behavior through awareness, tolerance, and flexibility.
Each set of behaviors reflects this one-of-a-kind neurological makeup. A child who struggles with noise and overstimulation, for instance, is processing sensory information differently than their peers. This situation presents a unique set of needs for the classroom environment, just as challenges with organization or social interaction can.
Embracing Neurodiversity: From “Deficit” to Strengths
ConnectEd serves a diverse group of children aged 3 to 17 years, including those with Level 1 autism, ADHD, and sensory differences. When their individual differences pose a challenge to learning, ConnectEd’s goal is to help the child more effectively navigate their world, their way.
The ConnectEd team is energized by the “neurodiversity movement,” which views individual cognition and neurological differences not as deficits but as natural variations within the human experience of thinking, feeling, and being in the world.
This shift from a “deficit model” to viewing “differences as strengths” is profound for families and children. It means that a child with ADHD isn’t seen merely as lacking focus but as having a brain that excels at dynamic thinking and flexible creativity.
Growing through Play & Interaction: How Children Change
ConnectEd’s approach is built on a developmental framework focusing on three key areas: play, executive function, and social interaction. Each of these skills evolves as a child grows. For example, a 3-year-old might engage in parallel play, while a 10-year-old more easily participates in complex role-playing games.
On the podcast, Heather Erba shared valuable insights into ConnectEd’s approach to developmental therapy. Her expertise highlighted key concepts and strategies that form the foundation of neuro-accepting work with children, families, and educators.
Key Concepts for Parents
- Zones of Regulation: A framework used to help children identify, articulate, and understand their inner emotional states. This tool aids in developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
- Social Thinking: An approach focused on improving social cognition, interpersonal awareness, and skillful interaction. It helps children understand and navigate social situations more effectively.
- Window of Tolerance: The optimal zone of arousal where a child can function most effectively. Recognizing this “window” helps children develop self-regulation strategies and build resilience.
Final Thought: A New Day for Developmental Therapy
ConnectEd Developmental Therapies, guided by Heather Erba, is not just supporting children. Our guest and her team are helping to transform an entire community, from children to parents and educators.
By embracing neurodiversity, employing brain-aligned strategies, and focusing on each child’s strengths, ConnectEd models excellence as inclusive, effective, and compassionate support for children’s learning, growth, and development.
