We all adapt to our world in ways that help us survive. When a child has layers of challenges to face, this can manifest as survival behavior. The child will externalize or internalize. What we observe on the surface: the explosiveness or withdrawal, the academic challenges, difficulties attending or concentrating, and the rigid needs to control can later show up as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse or self-harm. However, underneath the behavior is a brain doing its best to ensure survival by sacrificing some tasks for the sake of others. Exposure to adversity in childhood increases the risk of negative outcomes. When the adversity is perceived as traumatic, it becomes toxic to the brain. This session explores adverse childhood experiences and the proven approaches that enrich the brain and transform lives in the best possible ways.