In this engaging discussion, Niki Elliott, an educator and director at the University of San Diego's Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity, shares her insights on supporting neurodiverse learners. She emphasizes the importance of understanding students' behaviors through their nervous system needs, advocating for sensory-friendly classroom environments. Niki introduces the 'Heart Centered Connection' curriculum to aid educators in creating inclusive spaces. She also highlights the necessity of trauma-informed practices to enhance emotional resilience among both students and teachers.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Seeing Brilliance Behind Labels
Niki Elliott recounts teaching classes full of students labeled undesirable and discovering their brilliance when she got to know them.
That experience drove her to study systems that write off capable students and to redesign inclusive educational practices.
insights INSIGHT
Behavior As Nervous-System Communication
Niki reframes behavior as a nervous-system need rather than a symptom or willful problem.
She asks, "what does this nervous system need in order to thrive?" as the primary question.
insights INSIGHT
Environment Drives Felt Safety
Heightened sensory sensitivity and low vagal tone can make classrooms physiologically unsafe for neurodivergent students.
Environmental cues like fluorescent lights and HVAC noise can trigger alarm and block processing of teachers' voices.
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In this episode, Travis interviews Dr. Niki Elliott, an educator, author, and director at the University of San Diego's Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity. Dr. Elliott is also a PVI Course Partner & PVI Board Member.
Dr. Elliott shares her personal journey in education, her dedication to supporting neurodiverse learners, and the transformative impact of understanding nervous system needs through the lens of polyvagal theory. The conversation explores how reimagining classroom environments—with an emphasis on sensory and relational safety—can unlock the brilliance of every child.
Understanding Behavior Through the Nervous System Lens Dr. Elliott stresses the importance of viewing neurodivergent students not as "problem kids," but as individuals whose behavior is shaped by physiological needs and their nervous system state. Behaviors often labeled as disruptive or inattentive may actually be adaptive responses to unmet sensory or safety needs in the environment.
Creating Neuro-Inclusive Spaces is Game-Changing Simple shifts in classroom environments—such as accommodating sensory sensitivities, providing alternative seating, softening lighting, and including students’ voices about their sensory needs—can dramatically reduce behavioral issues and enhance learning for all students. Normalizing these supports improves not only neurodivergent students' experiences but fosters a culture of understanding and resilience for everyone.
Supporting Adults' Nervous System Health is Essential Dr. Elliott highlights that educators and caregivers must also become aware of their own nervous system patterns and past traumas. Increasing adult vagal tone and co-regulation capacity is vital to creating safe, responsive, and flexible learning communities. Adults set the tone for the classroom; their ability to self-regulate directly impacts students’ learning and emotional well-being.
Join Polyvagal Institute for "The Nervous System in the Classroom," a one-day summit for educators hosted by PVI Course Partners Dr. Niki Elliott and Dr. Lori Desautels. Register for the event at learning.polyvagal.org
To dive deeper, check out Dr. Nikki Elliott’s Heart Centered Connection certificate program or the Mindful Leaders Project for training and resources—and help build more inclusive, healing-focused spaces where every child and adult can thrive.
Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast