Heart-Centered Connections (Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive)

A transformative guide for anyone working with the child who is left out, left behind, or labeled “difficult.”

Heart-Centered Connections teaches the best practices to support kids who are misunderstood and marginalized—those who are neurodivergent, have a learning disability, or are trauma survivors. They have extraordinary potential waiting to be unleashed.

Heart-Centered Connections is based on decades of groundbreaking research with over 1,000 child-serving professionals—principals, teachers, foster care program directors, social workers, and parents. Dr. Elliott offers seven pillars that will help you create environments where kids can achieve their full potential. Children mirror adults’ emotions, which is why the first pillar is Self-Awareness. What is your state when you engage with the child? Other pillars include Interpersonal Awareness, Neuroinclusive Spaces, Activated Genius, Engaged Learning, Mindful Communication, and Heart-Centered Repair. You will learn how to:

- Increase your ability to handle stress so you remain composed when a child acts out
- Establish stronger bonds, even with kids who initially seem defiant
- Teach in a way that creates joy and confidence
- Design neuroinclusive environments in which youth of all abilities can flourish
- View the child from a new perspective, offering them choice and dignity
- Help the child settle their nervous system state so they can focus and learn

In this practical book, Dr. Elliott brings clear guidance and a hopeful message: when safety, compassion, and trust come first, real learning can begin. Heart-Centered Connections shows you how to create that foundation.