Possum Brain 4:3
The Possum Brain: Outline & Summary
Big Picture
Purpose of the lesson: Learn to spot the cues and clues that show a child's possum brain is engaged.
Core ideas:
The possum pathway is one possible protection route, different from the watchdog (sympathetic) pathway
Connection vs. protection works like an on/off switch; the possum pathway works like a dimmer switch
The possum pathway is about life threat, not just danger
It often becomes the preferred pathway when it was exercised frequently in infancy
Checked out, la la land, disengaging from people and activities: all possum behaviours
Language note: For groups using nervous system terms, this is the dorsal vagal brake. Otherwise, use "dissociation continuum" (Perry) or "emergency brake." Explain it in whatever way fits your population.
What the Body Does
Watchdog: Energy rushes into arms and legs to fight or flee.
Possum: Energy drains out of arms and legs.
Head and spine collapse into a "C" shape
Eyes are often shielded
Common posture: one arm in front of the head, one in front of the torso
Why: A last-ditch survival effort. Less blood in the limbs means less blood loss if injured, and the body protects what it can't live without: head and viscera (chest, abdomen).
The Four Possum Levels
1. La-La Land Possum đĢī¸
What's happening: Neuroceiving danger and starting to disengage.
Owl brain: Still somewhat connected. Owl brain strategies that offer assurance of safety may help here.
Body: A little loose; shoulders and spine slightly collapsing, eyes gazing off.
Cues:
Disengaged, spacey, far away
Flatter facial expressions
Struggling to feel connected
Work avoidance
2. Trickster Possum đ
What's happening: Looks cooperative, but it's compliance as a safety strategy, possibly to go unnoticed.
Where fawning lives: People pleasing sits here. It's a dissociation from self, becoming whatever is needed to stay safe.
Heads up: Cues won't always appear together. The possum shows whatever it believes will work best in the moment.
Cues:
Robotic voice, tone, prosody
Over-compliance, people pleasing
Seems to be wearing a disguise
Slow; words don't quite make sense
Low-energy crying
â ī¸ Easy to miss: Adults love compliance, and it can seem non-problematic next to watchdog kids.
3. Collapsing Possum đ
What's happening: Fear rises and the body folds further in. Head and eyes down, face and abdomen protected, legs drawn up.
Who this might look like: Kids who aren't doing things. Not attending school or barely participating, not leaving their rooms, absorbed in dissociative activities like reading or gaming.
Cues:
Body collapsing, including eyes and mouth
Significant lack of eye contact (less obvious for some ND kids)
Very slow and sluggish
Cannot use words; "doe-eyed" look
Loss of colour in cheeks
Uncontrollable crying
4. Playing Possum đ¤
What's happening: The brain believes death is imminent. Full collapse and conservation mode.
Cues:
Non-responsive, not speaking
Glazed eyes, dissociation
Fetal position
Fainting, falling asleep, excessive sleeping