Unleashing Brilliant Brains: Boys, ADHD & the Power of Connection

ADHD often presents differently in boys — through movement, intensity, impulsivity, emotional reactivity, or shutdown. Too often, this is misread as defiance or disengagement rather than a reflection of developing executive function and a dysregulated stress response.

In this dynamic, neuroscience-informed session, Tony Vallance unpacks how attention, executive functioning, and self-regulation develop in the ADHD brain — and what teachers can do to respond more effectively.

Grounded in current research and delivered through a strengths-based, neuroaffirming lens, this practical workshop equips educators to:

Blending lived experience, clinical insight, and classroom-ready strategies, this session empowers teachers to build calmer, more connected learning environments where boys with ADHD can thrive.

When we regulate first, we educate better.

Manager, Play Therapist, Teacher, Counsellor, Behaviour Support Specialist Secondary School Teacher Co-owner of Building Better Brains

BSc (Zool), Grad Dip Ed, Dip Couns, Post Grad PT

Tony is the manager of a nationally award-winning team. His expertise and excellence has been recognised across fields receiving national and regional awards:

⭐ Australian Education Awards Teacher of the Year, 2019 ⭐ Victorian Education Excellence Awards Finalist, 2018 ⭐ Australian Small Business Champion Finalist – Allied Health, 2024 ⭐ Maroondah Business of the Year Winner, 2023 ⭐ Maroondah Business Awards – Training and Education Winner, 2023

Tony works in an extremely creative and client centered way encompassing multiple modalities such as Virtual Reality, LEGO, Sandtray, Narrative Based & Strengths Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.

He helps school aged clients to level up their contemporary learning skills with STEMpathy training.

As a musician, Tony runs You Rock Therapy which involves clients learning basic drums and guitar and learning how to express and externalise via songwriting and recording.

He facilitates group work which leverages his passion and experience from fourteen years as a top educator.

Tony works with men and in particular dads through Dads Chat, coaching and helping to develop their skills and coping with anxiety, anger and control issues. Tony is registered with the PTPA, ACA and VIT.

“It is the first P.L. in a long long time that I haven’t been checking in with my watch.”

I love the fantastic variety of workshops and conferences on offer. Always look forward to Critical Agendas PD’s.

Just a big Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend the Critical Agenda Workshop yesterday.  David presented a great program, lots of handy strategies and he was very engaging and supportive. Highly recommended.  I was very happy we did not have to do any Role play’s.

Passionate &  Authentic Speakers – Meaningful Strategies

Keep up the fantastic PD opportunities! Very  professional and well-researched workshops and conferences.

Inspirational Speak