Meet Bo Hejlskov and Kristinn Már Torfason

Bo Hejlskov Elvén

Bo is a licensed psychologist and author. He is known for his work in managing challenging behavior through low-arousal approaches. He advises and lectures on problem behavior, especially in children and adults with developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

Presentation at the conference

At the conference, Bo will contribute with a presentation based on his research project, which looks at care ethics from an evolutionary perspective. The choice of method by care staff to manage challenging behavior is influenced by both their knowledge and ethics. The choice between harsh behavior management and gentle methods is guided by ancient mechanisms in human thinking and morality. With his presentation, Bo will emphasize that by recognizing our own limitations and challenges as humans and as staff, we can better monitor and correct our practice. It is about becoming aware of how we think about people with developmental disabilities – also from a historical perspective that still affects us today.

Kristinn Már Torfason

Kristinn began working with people with developmental disabilities in 1988. His primary work focuses on providing services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, specializing in managing challenging behavior. As a director, Kristinn is also responsible for financial management, staff organization, and ensuring that the people supported receive the daily care and services they need. Kristinn was introduced to Gentle Teaching in 1993 through Dan Hobbs, and since then he has actively implemented Gentle Teaching in his organization and throughout Iceland, benefiting both people with disabilities and the elderly.

Presentation at the conference

At the conference, Kristinn will contribute with a presentation that focuses on how Gentle Teaching was introduced in his organization in 1993, and the profound impact it has had on transforming the organizational culture. He will emphasize both the challenges and achievements in this journey and provide insights into how they train caregivers and mentors in Iceland to be well-prepared to apply the principles of Gentle Teaching.

We are very much looking forward to hearing these interesting presentations at the conference in September.

Stay tuned to this newsletter for more exciting introductions of our other Keynote Speakers – we promise there will be food for thought.

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