Slide 1: Title Slide
Title: Understanding Autism, ADHD & the Nervous System
Subtitle: Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Health, and Support
Visual: Simple nervous system diagram
Slide 2: Learning Goals
You will learn:
- What autism and ADHD are
- How the nervous system works
- What dysregulation means
- Emotional and stress responses
-
Strategies that help regulate the nervous system
(Use icons / simple pictures on this slide)
Slide 3: What Is the Nervous System?
The nervous system has 2 parts:
🌟 Central Nervous System (CNS) – brain and spinal cord
🌟 Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – nerves in the body
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is part of the PNS and works without thinking — controlling heart rate, breathing, digestion.
Slide 4: Two Nervous System Modes
Sympathetic Nervous System
🔴 “Fight-or-Flight” – body gets ready for danger
- Faster heart rate
- Faster breathing
-
Tense muscles
🍃 Parasympathetic Nervous System
🟢 “Rest & Digest” – body calms down - Slower heart rate
- Deep breathing
-
Relaxed muscles
(Use simple icons for gas pedal vs brake pedal)
Slide 5: Autism & ADHD Nervous System
Autistic and ADHD nervous systems can be more sensitive and reactive than neurotypical nervous systems.
This can make the fight-or-flight (sympathetic) switch turn on easily.
Slide 6: Window of Tolerance
🎯 Window of Tolerance = area where emotions and body are balanced
Outside this window:
📈 Hyperarousal: anxiety, anger, panic, vigilance
📉 Hypoarousal: shutdown, numbness, low energy
(Use simple zones graphic: balanced / high / low)
Slide 7: Hyperarousal
When the nervous system is in High Alert:
😣 Anxiety
😠 Anger
🏃♂️ High stress
Triggered even by everyday things when the body thinks it is a threat.
Slide 8: Hypoarousal
When the nervous system shuts down:
😶 Numbness
😴 Low energy
😐 No motivation
This can feel like being stuck in slow motion.
Slide 9: Faux Regulation
Sometimes you look calm on the outside but feel stressed inside.
This is called faux regulation — common in autistic people who have learned to mask or hide stress.
Slide 10: Vagal Tone & Balance
The vagus nerve helps the body calm down.
If vagal tone is low, it’s harder to switch out of stress mode.
High vagal tone = body can calm down easier.
Slide 11: Emotional Challenges
People with autism and ADHD often experience:
😧 Anxiety
😞 Depression
😡 Anger & frustration
These are linked to nervous system reactions and sensitivity.
Slide 12: Sensory Overload
Many autistic and ADHD people have strong reactions to:
🔊 Loud noise
💡 Bright lights
👕 Scratchy clothes
This can trigger stress and anxiety.
Slide 13: Executive Dysfunction
Executive dysfunction makes it hard to:
📅 Plan
⏰ Manage time
🧠 Remember tasks
These difficulties can cause stress and frustration.
Slide 14: Self-Regulation Strategies
These help the nervous system calm:
🧘♀️ Breathwork
❄️ Cold exposure (e.g., cool splash of water)
🏃 Activity / movement
😄 Laughter
🎵 Singing, humming, chanting
💆 Massage or self-touch
🧠 Meditation & mindfulness
Start one at a time, slowly.
Slide 15: Breathwork
Slow, deep breathing helps the body switch to rest mode.
In: breathe in through the nose
Out: breathe out gently
(Include visual breath arrows)
Slide 16: Cold Exposure
30 seconds of cold water can help calm the nervous system.
Try:
🌬 Cold water on the neck
🌊 Brief cold shower at the end
(Use simple water + cold icon)
Slide 17: Movement & Exercise
Walking, stretching, or dancing help calm the body.
Find what feels good — not stressful.
Slide 18: Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindfulness = paying gentle attention to your body and breath.
Can help reduce stress and expand the window of tolerance.
Slide 19: Support & Understanding
Support includes:
🧑⚕️ Therapy tailored for neurodivergent needs
🗣 Education about stress triggers
👥 Safe people and routines
Medication can help but isn’t the only tool.
Slide 20: Summary
✔ Autism and ADHD affect the nervous system
✔ Nervous system responses affect emotions
✔ Window of tolerance helps explain stress states
✔ Self-regulation strategies help calm the body
✔ Support + understanding improve wellbeing
Slide 21: Reflection Questions
• What helps calm your nervous system?
• What makes you feel overwhelmed?
• How can you track your states?
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