When Kids Flip Tables: Recognizing the Signal of Primal Survival Response

Classrooms are changing — and so are the needs of our students. Many learners are carrying the effects of trauma, living in a persistent state of stress, or navigating neurodivergence. When kids are in survival mode, it’s not a behaviour problem — it’s a nervous system response. In this session, we’ll explore the science of trauma, neurodivergence, and resilience through a teacher’s lens. You’ll gain a practical understanding of the Primal Survival Response (PSR), the ways it shows up in classrooms, and why it can look like “defiance,” “disengagement,” or “meltdown.” We’ll connect current research with real-world strategies so you can build classrooms that are not only trauma-informed but also trauma-responsive. You’ll leave with concrete tools and affirming practices to: Recognize trauma and PSR in students. Support regulation and resilience in day-to-day routines. Build environments that affirm neurodivergent learners. Strengthen relationships as the foundation of learning. This session is designed to be both science-backed and deeply practical — giving you language, strategies, and hope to meet the needs of every learner.