Executive Function & Behaviour: What Youre Seeing vs Whats Really Happening

This essential, practical neuroaffirming training helps professionals move beyond traditional discipline to deeply understand the executive function challenges that sit beneath the behaviours of neurodivergent children and young people (e.g., ADHD, Autism). Instead of viewing behaviours as defiance, laziness, or poor motivation, we explore what is really happening in the brain: difficulties with working memory, organisation, emotional regulation, task initiation, and cognitive overload.

Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for interpreting behaviours through a neurodevelopmental lens, along with evidence-based strategies that reduce escalation, build trust, and support young people to succeed in school, social settings, and the wider community.

Learning Outcomes

Following this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand how executive function differences show up in behaviour, learning, and communication.
• Distinguish between behaviour as a choice and behaviour as a neurological response.
• Recognise the signs of overwhelm, shutdown, masking, and nervous system dysregulation.
• Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and support regulation.
• Create environments and interactions that prevent escalation and promote connection.
• Reframe ‘challenging behaviour’ into unmet needs, helping young people feel understood instead of punished.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for teachers, youth workers, YOT workers, educators, social workers, mentors, and anyone working with young people who want to better understand these issues and develop their professional development CPD.

ABOUT OUR TRAINING

At KIP Education, the experiences of professionals, and the young people they work with, are at the heart of our training programme. Each year we deliver training to over 10,000 professionals, and our expert trainers give you the practical skills to support the young people you work with.

Our training courses are designed to build your understanding of key issues and give you the confidence to make a difference in young people’s lives.

KIP Education is a boutique provider of innovative learning solutions for all organisations large or small. Our customised offerings are focused on reducing the cost of training while maximizing results.

KIP Education can provide training in your area for small or large groups. To arrange a course please contact us.For more information please visit our training course page.