The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many sensory processing disorder presentations. Understanding it demystifies sensory processing disorder and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Sensory Processing Disorder
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — sensory processing disorder channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common sensory processing disorder behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type sensory processing disorder
How Chronic Activation Drives Sensory Processing Disorder
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying sensory processing disorder: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Sensory Processing Disorder
- Name it: 'My nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze right now'
- Move: Physical movement discharges the mobilization energy of fight/flight
- Breathe: Activates the off-switch for the stress response
- Connect: Safe social engagement signals to the nervous system that the threat has passed