How Executive Function Can Trigger Student Dysregulation

How Executive Function Can Trigger Student Dysregulation

From School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton by Beacon School Support

April 12, 2026 · 26 min · Season 1 · Episode 271

About this episode

This episode explores how hidden executive function demands can lead to student dysregulation in the classroom.

What if a pupil’s dysregulation isn’t just about behaviour - but about hidden executive function demands they can’t yet manage? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn how difficulties with executive function can fuel frustration, overload and emotional dysregulation in the classroom. Using a concrete case study and the PAIN framework, we unpack how challenges with holding information in mind and inhibiting impulses can quickly tip a child from not coping with work into shut...

People in this episode

Hosts: Simon Currigan, Emma Shackleton

Topics covered

  • executive function
  • student dysregulation
  • classroom management
  • emotional regulation
  • case study

Keywords

  • executive function
  • dysregulation
  • classroom
  • emotional dysregulation
  • PAIN framework

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Beacon School Support

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