Polyvagal theory explains how the nervous system reacts to stress and safety – and why human behaviour can switch so quickly. At Polyvagal Teen®, you’ll find practical, neurodivergent-friendly tools to spot patterns, work through tough moments, and build steadier days at home, in your practice and home life. Our tools help youth, families, organisations and neurodivergent individuals build healthier connections with their nervous system – supporting better relationships with self, others, and the wider world.
Polyvagal theory explains how the nervous system reacts to stress and safety – and why human behaviour can switch so quickly.
At Polyvagal Teen®, you’ll find practical, neurodivergent-friendly tools to spot patterns, work through tough moments, and build steadier days at home, in your practice and home life.
Our tools help youth, families, organisations and neurodivergent individuals build healthier connections with their nervous system – supporting better relationships with self, others, and the wider world.
Feels safer in sessions – no demand to name feelings on cue.
Kinder to the nervous system – noticing signals can soften stress.
Sensory-friendly options (breath and eye contact are optional).
Quick “little wins” that carry over into home and school.
Shared, blame-free language for co-regulation and communication.
Choice-led, consent-first – a good fit for neurodivergent profiles and alexithymia.
In short: the R.U.D Process® applies polyvagal principles to raise self-awareness without pressure - a solid foundation for meaningful change in practice. Download the R.U.D Process® worksheet for wellbeing practitioners (free)
Shared language for staff, pupils, and parents (buzzy · flat · steady)
Breath-optional options for sensory needs and exam stress
Useful in: pastoral meetings, form time, emotion based school avoidance, return-to-learn plans.
A gentle way to begin when feelings are hard or impossible to name
Fits any modality; keeps consent and choice front and centre
Helps understand how nervous system states drive behaviour.
Useful in: intake sessions, brief interventions, family work.
Useful in: sensory integration work, pacing plans, home programmes to raise awareness.
Plain-English prompts to reduce shame and panic in the room
Easy handout for safety-first next steps
Useful in: primary care consults, wellbeing hubs, first-responder debriefs
