In this solo episode, Andy Baker breaks down the early indicators of distress—the subtle “bottom of the rollercoaster” cues most of us miss before behaviour escalates. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or carer, you’ll learn how to recognise micro-signals, why early intervention is everything, and exactly what to say and do in those first crucial moments to prevent crisis, protect relationships, and build trust.
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🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned
Think Bike campaign video – awareness analogy Andy references
Key concepts: Polyvagal Theory, Window of Tolerance, Crisis Development Model, Co-regulation
🧠 Three Key Messages
Early beats urgent. Escalation rarely comes “out of the blue.” Spot baseline deviations early (posture, tone, fidgeting) to intervene before the “click-click-click” climb.
Respond, don’t react. Use calm tone, gentle noticing (“I see you tapping—are you okay?”) and small adjustments to redirect stress.
Connection is the brake. Empathy, predictability and co-regulation calm faster than control or confrontation.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Hook: invisible escalation & the rollercoaster metaphor
00:28 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK
01:49 – Why “out of the blue” behaviour is a myth
02:10 – Escalation model: intervene before the climb
03:02 – Cinema story: how timing changes the outcome
04:32 – Why late intervention is harder (polyvagal & tolerance window)
06:28 – Knowing a person’s baseline to spot deviations
07:05 – Universal & individual micro-cues (fidgeting, eye contact, silence, self-soothing)
09:34 – Don’t “park” early signs—proactive saves time & safety
11:04 – Scripts: what to say without provoking
12:28 – Co-regulation & calming tools (breaks, activities, sensory adjustments)
13:52 – Awareness vs. “code white” autopilot
14:43 – Regulation as a skill, not defiance
15:30 – Challenge: spot your “bottom of the rollercoaster” cues
16:40 – Classroom example + Think Bike analogy
18:01 – Wrap up
🎯 Why Listen to This Episode?
Learn how to spot escalation before crisis
Get scripts & strategies you can use right away at home, school, or care settings
Protect relationships and trust while preventing harm
🔗 Connect with Us
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining
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📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast
🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk
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