Able to Care

Spot the Signs: Prevent Behaviour Escalation Early

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.

Praise, Placements & Belonging: Support Neurodivergent Kids

What if we stopped talking about neurodivergent children and started talking with them? In this powerful, practical conversation, dad–daughter duo Cliff Kilmister (host of the Parenting, Autism & ADHD podcast) and Eva (13) share real-world insights on autism/ADHD, school placements, EHCPs, praise that actually helps, and why listening to young people changes everything. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or carer, this episode gives you language, mindset shifts and everyday strategies to help neurodivergent children thrive.
💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UK
Proudly supported by Carers Card UK — the UK’s #1 carers card. Get recognition, an ID card with emergency info, a wellbeing hub, Carers Circle tool, community access and discounts on everything from days out to glasses — for less than a box of chocolates per year.👉  🎟️ Order your card today
🔗 Resources Mentioned
Parenting, Autism & ADHD Podcast (Cliff Kilmister) — search in your podcast app.
Eva’s YouTube channel “INSPIRE” — short videos on topics like masking, stimming, and bullying.
IPSEA (independent SEND law advice for families): https://www.ipsea.org.uk
Gov.uk: EHCP guidance for parents and carers: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/education-health-and-care-plans
Cliff's Book - What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop Talking"
National Autistic Society (resources for home and school): https://www.autism.org.uk
Andy’s book — Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge
🧠Three Key Messages
Voice over labels: Neurodivergent young people don’t just need adults to speak for them — they need adults to listen to them. Voice, choice and collaboration reduce anxiety and build trust.
Praise the process, not the person or the grade: Switch from “You’re so clever/10-out-of-10!” to “I noticed how you stuck with that and found a strategy that worked.” Process-based feedback supports resilience and reduces performance pressure.
Regulation makes learning possible: Stimming, doodling/sketchbooks, movement and fidgets are tools, not defiance. When classrooms allow regulation, attention rises and behaviour improves.
⏱️Chapter Timestamps
00:00 — Opening: Why talk with neurodivergent children, not just about them
00:20 — Sponsor: Carers Card UK — recognition, community & discounts
01:41 — Meet Cliff & Eva: lived experience behind the mic
02:28 — Moving from mainstream to an SEN setting: confidence, belonging & hope
07:08 — Diagnosis journey: how long it took and what helped
09:07 — Eva on podcasting: sharing honestly to help other kids feel less alone
12:22 — “Look at me when I’m talking!”: why eye contact isn’t the measure of listening
14:02 — Sketchbooks, routines & self-regulation: doodling to focus
17:08 — EHCPs: what we wish we’d known sooner (and why persistence matters)
23:20 — Rethinking praise: process vs. person/outcome — examples for home & school
29:07 — Eva’s videos: masking, bullying, and making sense of school
32:20 — Hopes for the new school year: safety, acceptance and the right support
35:24 — Free/independent SEND advice & why to keep asking for help
39:07 — Guilt, labels & advocacy: you can adapt support before diagnosis
42:26 — What teachers/carers should know: one thing that changes the day
47:14 — Messages to parents and kids: you’re not alone; your needs are valid
49:02 — Has this journey brought the family closer?
51:09 — Eva’s tip: journaling to feel heard and remember what matters
51:53 — Outro & how to share the episode
🎯Why Listen to This Episode?
Actionable for home & school: Concrete language swaps and classroom accommodations you can try tomorrow.
Lived experience: Hear directly from a neurodivergent teen on what helps — and what harms.
For the whole support circle: Parents, teachers and carers get aligned around connection-first support that improves behaviour, learning and wellbeing.
🔗 Connect with Us
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

Why “Attention Seeking” Is Really Connection Seeking

In this solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dismantles one of the most damaging labels we use in care,
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Why “attention seeking” is misunderstood01:18 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK01:49 – The science of attention as survival03:29 – How labels like “attention seeking” damage relationships05:28 – Attachment, trust, and why connection reduces anxiety07:19 – Everyday examples: when being ignored hurts more than being told off08:41 – Reframing: from attention seeking to connection seeking09:51 – Proactive strategies: predictability and scheduled connection10:30 – Real-world case study: harmful vs. helpful staff responses12:08 – Connect before you correct: practical scripts to use13:19 – Teaching adaptive ways to ask for attention14:18 – Meeting needs isn’t “rewarding bad behaviour” — it’s removing the reason for it15:24 – Building independence through secure attachment16:16 – Final challenge: reframe “attention seeking” for one week and notice the change
🎯 Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode is for anyone who has ever rolled their eyes at “attention seeking behaviour” — and wants to understand the truth behind it. Parents will gain tools to respond to their children with empathy. Teachers will discover proactive strategies to reduce classroom disruptions. Carers will learn how connection can de-escalate distress and build trust. Instead of seeing behaviour as a problem, you’ll leave with the mindset and tools to see it as communication.
🔗 Connect with Us
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk
 

Living with Young Onset Dementia: Karen Thomas on Change & Care

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Karen Thomas, Head of Young Onset at Dementia Forward. Karen shares her journey from volunteer to shaping specialist services that meet the unique needs of people diagnosed under 65. Together, they explore the realities of young onset dementia—from identity and employment struggles to financial challenges, family dynamics, and the living loss carers face daily.
Karen also introduces the You and Me campaign, the Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day, and the upcoming 2025 national conference designed to bring professionals, carers, and families together to change systems and perceptions. This is a powerful, practical, and deeply human conversation that sheds light on a misunderstood condition.
💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UK
The Able to Care Podcast is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK – the UK’s number one carers card.
For less than the price of a box of chocolates a year, carers can access:
An official ID card with emergency information
Discounts on gyms, days out, tech, clothing, glasses & more
A wellbeing hub and Carers Circle tool
A supportive community through their app
👉 🎟️ Order your card today
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned
Dementia Forward – dementiaforward.org.uk
You and Me Campaign & Awareness Day – YouTube: You and Me Song (insert link once confirmed)
Young Onset Dementia Conference – October 14, 2025 – Conference Info
Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge
🧠 Three Key Messages
Young onset dementia is different – People diagnosed under 65 face unique challenges with identity, finances, and family roles that require tailored support.
Community and creativity matter – From outward-bound groups to music, poetry, and campaigns, connection and self-expression are vital for wellbeing.
Awareness creates change – Recognition, coding in the healthcare system, and workplace understanding can transform lives and reduce isolation.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK01:48 – Introducing Karen Thomas & her journey into dementia care04:59 – What young onset dementia is and why it’s different07:47 – Identity, work, and family challenges10:09 – The impact of friendships fading and social isolation13:03 – The courage and resilience of families14:22 – Creating Time Out Together groups and filling service gaps18:28 – Long diagnosis delays and systemic challenges22:28 – Dementia Forward’s three-level approach: individual, community, national26:38 – The You and Me campaign and Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day29:21 – The upcoming 2025 national conference34:05 – What ideal support and provisions should look like36:00 – Tackling myths, stigma, and workplace discrimination43:45 – Person-centred vs. people-centred care: why it matters45:21 – Building training to change professional practice49:55 – A heartbreaking but hopeful family story55:00 – How communities can support people with young onset dementia
🎯 Why Listen to This Episode
This episode is essential listening for carers, teachers, health professionals, and families seeking to better understand young onset dementia. Karen Thomas shares inspiring stories, systemic challenges, and hopeful initiatives that prove life with young onset dementia can still be rich, meaningful, and connected. You’ll come away with a deeper awareness, practical insights, and clear ways to support both individuals and carers.
Connect with Us
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

Why “Calm Down” Backfires — And What to Say Instead

In this solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker takes on one of the most common — and most counterproductive — phrases in behaviour support: Calm down. Drawing from neuroscience, trauma theory, and decades of behaviour management experience, Andy explains why these two words can actually escalate situations rather than resolve them. You’ll learn why regulation always beats control, how your body language can make or break de-escalation, and exactly what to say (and do) instead when emotions run high — whether you’re a parent, teacher, carer, or professional working with vulnerable people.
💙 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
Dr Bruce Perry — Neuroscience of Trauma
Stephen Porges — Polyvagal Theory
🧠 Three Key Messages
Regulation before instruction — A dysregulated brain can’t process logic, consequences, or even well-meant advice.
Your calm is contagious — Non-verbal cues like tone and posture often speak louder than words in de-escalation.
Replace “Calm down” with collaboration — Phrases like “Let’s sit down and talk” or “Walk me through what’s happening” lower emotional intensity while preserving trust.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 — Why “Calm down” fails and what’s happening in the brain02:21 — The science of emotional regulation & fight-flight-freeze05:14 — Why trust changes how people respond06:22 — Body language, tone, and avoiding escalation triggers09:18 — Giving choices & prompting calming behaviours10:41 — Role-modelling calm and “putting the fire out” first11:59 — Why regulation isn’t a reward — and why that matters13:11 — Practical language swaps that actually work
Why Listen to This Episode
If you’ve ever tried to defuse a heated moment with “Calm down” and watched it backfire, this episode is for you. Whether you work in education, care, health, or simply want better conflict resolution skills at home, Andy gives you practical, research-driven strategies to help others regulate — without damaging relationships. It’s an essential listen for anyone who wants to turn tense situations into moments of connection and trust.
🔗 Connect with Us
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk
 

Living Alongside Young People: Foster Care & Creative Healing

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy Baker speaks with Helen Archer, a long-term foster carer, writer, and passionate advocate for care-experienced young people. With over 30 years in roles from nannying and social work to lecturing and recruiting foster carers, Helen brings deep lived experience and emotional insight into what it means to “live alongside” teenagers in care. She opens up about trauma-informed practice, the life-changing power of creative writing, and the unseen challenges of leaving care — known as the “care cliff.” Whether you’re a carer, teacher, social worker, or simply someone who believes in the power of compassion, this conversation will stay with you.
💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UK
The Able to Care Podcast is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK – the UK’s number one carers card.Founded by two best friends, Carers Card UK offers recognition, rewards, and community for paid and unpaid carers. For less than the price of a box of chocolates per year, you’ll unlock:
An official ID card
Access to emergency info
Discounts on gyms, days out, clothing, electrical goods & more
A wellbeing hub and Carers Circle toolOrder yours today: carerscarduk.co.uk/promo-code/abletocare
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned
Carers Card UK – carerscarduk.co.uk/promo-code/abletocare
Helen Archer’s Books – Cookies and Oxygen Publishing
CLOSER – Care Leavers Ongoing Support and Resources (Hertfordshire initiative) – [Add link if available]
Andy Baker’s Book – Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge – Order here
🧠 Three Key Messages
Living alongside, not above – Being truly present with young people in care means sharing the everyday moments, offering advocacy, and holding space during their hardest times.
Creativity heals – Writing and storytelling give young people a safe way to process trauma, reclaim their narrative, and explore identity.
The care cliff is real – Turning 18 can mean a sudden loss of support for care leavers; building networks and community events can be life-changing.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK02:05 – Helen’s career journey and why foster care is her calling06:13 – What “living alongside” young people really means11:10 – Creative writing as a therapeutic tool18:00 – Reading aloud and building attachment25:01 – Writing as self-care for carers29:35 – Advocating for young people leaving care & the “care cliff”41:10 – Founding CLOSER and supporting care leavers at Christmas45:06 – The rewards and challenges of fostering54:50 – The emotional resilience needed for the role57:20 – Why some placements need to change to help children thrive01:00:01 – Equipping future social workers with trauma awareness01:01:31 – Final reflections and call to action
🎯 Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be a foster carer, this episode is essential listening. Helen’s openness about the highs, lows, and deeply personal moments of fostering offers both inspiration and practical insight. You’ll learn about the transformative power of creativity, the importance of building long-term relationships, and the urgent need to better support care leavers. This is a conversation that challenges assumptions, fuels empathy, and calls for action.
🔗 Connect with Us
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

Right, Wrong, or Just Misunderstood? A Trauma-Informed Look at Behaviour

In this solo episode, Andy Baker challenges one of the most common (and damaging) assumptions in behaviour support: “He knows better.” Drawing from a real-life situation involving a boy with ADHD, Andy explores the crucial difference between knowing right from wrong and being able to act on it in the moment – especially for neurodiverse or traumatised individuals.
Packed with real stories, reflective questions, and practical guidance for parents, carers, and teachers, this episode invites us to replace judgement with curiosity and see behaviour for what it really is – communication.
🙌 Sponsored by Carers Card UK
Proud sponsor of the Able to Care podcast, Carers Card UK offers recognition, support, and real discounts for unpaid carers.🎁  Order your card today
National discounts on gyms, clothing, days out and more
A wellbeing hub and carers community
Emergency ID tools and Carers Circle
🧰 Resources & References:
The Able Hub: www.ablehub.uk – Free 14-day trial for carers and educators
Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge
💡 Three Key Messages:
Perception is not deceptionChildren may express emotional truth even when facts are distorted. Dismissing this as lying can shut down empathy and connection.
Knowing isn’t the same as doingTrauma, ADHD, or emotional dysregulation can block access to knowledge in the heat of the moment. We don’t punish a dyslexic child for misspelling – so why punish emotional overwhelm?
Be a guide, not a judgeSupport means teaching, not shaming. When we ask, “What was the need behind that behaviour?”, we turn difficult moments into learning ones.
⏱️ Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Right vs Wrong... or is it?01:00 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK02:00 – "He's just using it as an excuse" – the football example04:00 – Emotional truth vs factual accuracy05:30 – ADHD, time perception and heightened emotion07:00 – Understanding the lie: Is it a lie at all?08:30 – Emotional honesty and life experience10:00 – Punishment, fear, and why some kids learn to lie better11:00 – “Have I taught this in a way they can access when distressed?”13:00 – Pick your battles and reframe behaviour as unmet need14:30 – Regulation, curiosity, and modelling reflection16:00 – Final thoughts: Reflective practice over perfection
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
For parents who feel stuck between discipline and understanding
For carers supporting young people with ADHD, trauma, or neurodivergence
For teachers rethinking behaviour as more than a checklist of rights and wrongsThis episode will challenge your assumptions, offer new language, and give you practical tools to create safer, more reflective responses to behaviour that challenges.
📱 Listen & Connect:
👉 Subscribe & Review on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
👉 Follow us on Social Media:
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

When the System Fails, Love Doesn’t

In this moving and deeply insightful episode, Andy Baker is joined by Jenny Clark, who shares her powerful journey of supporting her sister Liz, who had Down’s syndrome and was later diagnosed with young onset dementia. This conversation is a heartfelt look at the realities of caregiving, family advocacy, and navigating health and social care systems when your loved one doesn’t fit the typical mould.
Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or health professional, Jenny's story sheds light on the intersection of learning disability and dementia, highlighting the gaps, the grief, and the deep love that fuels family-led support.
🙌 Sponsor – Carers Card UK
This episode is brought to you by Carers Card UK – helping unpaid carers access vital discounts, resources, and recognition.🎁   Order your card today
🧰 Resources & Links Mentioned:
Young Dementia Network: https://www.youngdementianetwork.org
Down’s Syndrome Association: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
DEEP – Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project: https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk
Management systems, audit and training www.elliem.co.uk
💡 Three Key Messages:
Diagnosis is not the end – it's a transition.Jenny describes how a diagnosis of dementia in someone with Down’s syndrome is often misunderstood or delayed. Her story challenges professionals to see the person, not just the condition.
Family advocacy is vital and exhausting.Jenny’s commitment to Liz’s dignity highlights the emotional toll – and strength – of sibling carers. Advocacy isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s persistent, quiet love.
We need better systems, not better families.Jenny outlines how disjointed services and undertrained professionals left gaps in Liz’s care. It's a call for systemic change, not just individual heroics.
⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and introduction03:05 – Meet Jenny and the story of her sister Liz07:40 – Early signs of dementia in someone with Down’s syndrome12:55 – Diagnosis challenges and assumptions in services18:30 – Being a sibling carer: identity, grief, and resilience25:15 – Fighting for better care and dignity33:45 – The emotional toll of navigating the system39:10 – Reflections on what needs to change45:00 – Jenny’s message for carers, educators, and professionals49:30 – Final thoughts and resources
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
If you support someone with a learning disability, this episode will help you spot the early signs of young onset dementia.
If you are a sibling carer, Jenny’s story offers validation, support, and solidarity.
If you work in health, education or social care, this episode highlights the vital need for person-centred thinking and joined-up support.
📱 Connect and Share:
👉 Listen, Follow and Subscribe on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
Google Podcasts
👉 Follow us on Social Media:
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

Is “Good Behaviour” Hiding a Bigger Problem?

In this episode of the Able To Care Podcast Andy Baker challenges one of the most common assumptions in caregiving and education: that quiet, compliant behaviour means a child or adult is okay. From classrooms to care homes, we often confuse a lack of disruption with emotional wellbeing—but the two aren't always connected.
This episode explores how masking, compliance, and people-pleasing can be signs of distress, not progress. It’s a must-listen for parents, teachers, and carers who want to better understand what behaviour really tells us—and when silence might be a red flag.
💡 Sponsor Message:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK – the UK’s number one carers card, offering:
Discounts on gym memberships, days out, clothing, and more
A wellbeing hub, the Carers Circle tool, and access to a supportive community
An ID card you can carry with pride
Whether you're a paid or unpaid carer, support yourself while you support others.
👉  Order your card today
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Able Hub – Free tools, training, and community for carers, parents, and educators
Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge
Mood Monitoring Tools – Consider using apps or visual emotion charts
✅ Three Key Messages:
Behaviour ≠ Wellbeing – Quietness and compliance can sometimes be signs of masking or distress.
Check in Emotionally, Not Just Behaviourally – Emotional check-ins should be part of daily practice, not just reserved for crisis moments.
Masking is Not a Sign of Progress – Children and adults may learn to “be good” to avoid punishment, not because they feel safe or happy.
⏳ Timestamps (Chapter Markers):
[00:00] – Introduction: “She’s been so good lately…”
[01:00] – Sponsor Message: Carers Card UK
[02:00] – Behaviour vs. Wellbeing: What Are We Really Measuring?
[04:00] – The Masking Effect in Trauma and Neurodivergence
[05:30] – Real-Life Examples: When ‘Good’ Isn’t Good News
[07:00] – What to Ask Instead of “Have They Been Good?”
[08:00] – Emotional Check-ins: Why Staff Should Model Too
[09:00] – Looking Beyond the Surface: Signs of Emotional Safety
[10:00] – Final Thoughts: Moving from Behaviour to Belonging
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
If you work with or care for children, young people, or adults—this episode could shift your entire perspective. Andy Baker shares practical insights and powerful real-life scenarios to help you move beyond behavioural assumptions and start seeing the person underneath. Whether you're a parent, educator, or care professional, you’ll walk away better equipped to ask the right questions and support emotional wellbeing more effectively.
📲 Connect with Us!
📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk
🙌 This is a Free Resource
If this episode made you pause and think, share it with your team, your school, or your care community. Start a conversation. Let’s build a culture of curiosity, not just compliance.
🎧 Subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast and leave a review to help others find the support they need.

Supporting Struggling Minds: Executive Function Explained

In this compelling episode of the Able to Care podcast, I’m joined by Belinda Eddington, Executive Function Coach and founder of MindSpark CIC. Together, we unpack one of the most misunderstood and essential aspects of human development – executive functioning. From how children plan, organise and regulate emotions, to how adults can support growth through understanding, Belinda shares her passion, research and practical strategies for educators, carers and parents.
Whether you’re raising a child, working in a school, or simply trying to understand your own thinking a bit better – this episode is full of lightbulb moments.
🛍️ Sponsored by Carers Card UK
We’re proud to be sponsored by Carers Card UK – the UK’s #1 discount card for unpaid and paid carers.
💷 Enjoy thousands of pounds worth of savings📲 Access emergency ID, wellbeing tools, and a private carers community🛒 Discounts on days out, clothing, gyms, eyewear, and more
➡️ Get yours today: Click Here
🧰 Resources Mentioned
MindSpark CIC: Find Out More 
MindSpark Coach Training: Find Out More 
Books:
Smart but Scattered series – Peg Dawson
The Developing Mind – Dr Dan Siegel
The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
Via Strengths Questionnaire: www.viacharacter.org
Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge
🔑 Three Key Messages
Executive function is not just academic – it’s foundational. These brain-based skills shape behaviour, learning, self-regulation and relationships.
Understanding comes before intervention. Rather than focusing on the ‘what’, shift your mindset to ask ‘why’ – be a detective, not a judge.
Support builds from strength. Executive functioning challenges are real – but with compassion, coaching, and the right scaffolds, growth is absolutely possible.
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Sponsored message: Carers Card UK01:55 – Welcome & topic introduction02:05 – Meet Belinda: background and expertise04:00 – What is executive functioning? Explained07:00 – Real-world examples of executive function challenges12:00 – How trauma, stress, and neurodivergence impact EF18:00 – Strategies: scaffolding, coaching, metacognition24:00 – Behaviour, mindsets, and flipping the lid32:00 – Embedding executive function into school culture40:00 – Belinda’s research in schools and findings51:00 – Strength-based conversations and personalised support54:00 – Final reflections and why this matters
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
You’ll finally understand what executive functioning means – and why it matters for every child and adult.
Belinda offers practical examples for supporting children who struggle with memory, planning, or emotional control.
If you work in schools, care, or parenting – this episode will help you spot challenges earlier and respond more compassionately.
Plus, we explore how your own regulation as a professional or parent influences your ability to support others.
🔗 Stay Connected
Follow Able to Care for more compassionate conversations that empower carers, educators and parents:
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