Nervous System Regulation Practices with Autum Romano

Autum Romano is an educator, author, coach, and bodyworker who champions nervous system regulation as the cornerstone of holistic health and healing. With expertise rooted in understanding how the nervous system fundamentally shapes our well-being, relationships, and capacity for growth, Autum has become a powerful advocate for creating environments that support nervous system regulation. Her book, Body Wisdom and the Polyvagal Theory, explores the critical role of emotional awareness and how presence and attunement can foster safety and support children’s emotional development. 

Drawing on her own experiences as a homeschool parent and a neurodivergent family navigator, Autum’s work is informed by both personal and professional knowledge, combining scientific understanding with compassionate, practical strategies. She is a passionate advocate for the Neurodiversity Movement, and her approach empowers parents, educators, and healthcare providers alike to facilitate nervous system healing and authentic self-expression.

In this recent Professional Development session, Autum shared her insights on nervous system regulation using Polyvagal Theory as a framework. She discussed how teachers can use this understanding to foster a supportive, calm, and productive learning environment. By introducing the “zones of regulation” through a color-coded model, Autum illustrated the various states of the nervous system:

• Ventral Vagal (Green): This state represents social engagement—a calm and relaxed mode that is ideal for learning and interaction. Students in this state feel safe, secure, and open to new experiences.
• Sympathetic (Red): In this fight-or-flight state, heightened alertness or even aggression can arise, as the body perceives a threat and is primed to respond. Students in the red zone may appear restless or defensive.
• Dorsal Vagal (Blue): This is a shutdown or disengaged state that can often be misinterpreted as compliance. However, students in the blue zone are likely stressed or overwhelmed and may appear quiet, withdrawn, or apathetic.

Autum also introduced the concept of neuroception—the body’s unconscious ability to detect safety or danger through the vagus nerve. This autonomic response affects subtle behaviors, such as eye contact, vocal tone, and posture, often signaling the nervous system’s response to its environment before we are consciously aware of it. Throughout the session, she shared practical exercises to help educators recognize and regulate their own nervous states and build co-regulation practices with students. By doing so, teachers can foster stronger connections and support students in feeling safe, seen, and ready to learn.

Professional Development Recording

You can find other upcoming professional development opportunities here.

Professional Development Resources

• • Recording: November Professional Development Session
  • Feedback Form: November Feedback Form
  • Handout: The Science of Connection: Polyvagal Theory in the Classroom

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