Engaging Situational Awareness for Neurodivergent & Trauma Impacted System-Involved Youth

Shoshana Phoenixx

Training Description

This training examines how system-involved youths with trauma histories or neurodivergent processing styles interpret danger, safety, and changes in their environment. Participants will explore four stages of situational awareness, how these may present differently across neurotypes, and how trauma, sensory load, and environmental stressors can affect perception, decision-making, and response. The training also addresses supportive strategies that help youth strengthen situational assessment skills and build response patterns that align with their nervous system, communication style, and executive functioning needs. Emphasis is placed on practical application in schools, group homes, and community-based settings to improve outcomes for system-involved youth.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and explain the stages of situational awareness and at least one way they may appear radically different in neurodivergent youth.

• Apply at least three supportive strategies that help system-involved youth strengthen situational assessment and response skills across different environments.