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Regulation, Dysregulation and Activation of the Stress/Trauma Response

A Visual Overview for All Neurotypes

This engaging and easy-to-understand poster provides a clear visual explanation of how the nervous system responds to stress and sensory demands. Designed to support people of all neurotypes, it illustrates the pathways that can lead from everyday activation to either dysregulation and stress responses or successful de-escalation back to regulation.

By breaking down these experiences into simple, relatable visuals, this resource helps children, young people and adults understand that nervous system responses are not behaviours chosen "on purpose," but natural reactions to overwhelming demands. It encourages compassionate, informed responses and highlights the importance of recognising early signs of activation before individuals reach their maximum level of tolerance.

Perfect for educational settings, therapeutic environments, workplaces and family homes, this poster promotes greater awareness of self-regulation, emotional wellbeing and neurodiversity-affirming support.

Perfect for:

• Teachers, SENOs and education professionals

• Therapists, psychologists and counsellors

• Healthcare and support staff

• Parents and caregivers

• Neurodivergent individuals and self-advocates

• Training events, staff development and inclusion initiatives

Features:

• Clear visual overview of regulation, dysregulation and de-escalation

• Neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based in approach

• Encourages empathy and reduces misunderstanding around stress responses

• Supports conversations about emotional regulation and sensory needs

• Designed using Dyslexie font to improve accessibility and readability

• Suitable for classrooms, therapy rooms, offices, staff spaces and home environments

Whether used as a teaching tool, a training resource or a conversation starter, this poster helps build understanding of how stress and trauma responses emerge—and how supportive environments and effective regulation strategies can help individuals return to a place of safety, connection and wellbeing.