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