Modern understanding of asperger's syndrome increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many asperger's syndrome presentations.
The Nervous System in Asperger's Syndrome
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to asperger's syndrome:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type asperger's syndrome
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by asperger's syndrome
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type asperger's syndrome
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Asperger's Syndrome
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Asperger's Syndrome
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving asperger's syndrome
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in asperger's syndrome