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. 💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UKProudly sponsored by Carers Card UK Are you caring for someone, paid or unpaid? You could be missing out on thousands of pounds in discounts. Carers Card UK offers: ID card with emergency info access Exclusive discounts on gyms, days out, electrical goods, and more Access to a wellbeing hub, Carers Circle tool, and mobile app All for less than the price of a box of chocolates per year. 🎟️ Order your card today 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned Carers Card UK – recognition, discounts & community Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge 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📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk 👉 If this episode resonated, please follow, rate & share so more carers, teachers and parents can benefit.