Nervous System 101

The nervous system is in charge of how we respond to stress. In this Brain Club®, we talk about the basics of how this works.

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For transcripts of the video, click here for instructions or click here for video demonstration

Summary

• We all get dysregulated at times. Dysregulation can look different for different people at different times. Flight, fight, freeze, flood, fawn, fatigue are some signs of dysregulation.
• In this Brain Club® we discuss the basics of regulation, how the autonomic nervous system works, factors the impact the nervous system, and strategies for becoming neutral observers of one’s own nervous system. 

Further learning:

• Autism Level Up
• Self Reg
• Beyond Behaviors

Key terms:

Regulation or “regulated”	Regulation means your brain, body, and nervous system are working together to help you do what you need to do. This doesn’t always mean being calm.
Dysregulation or “dysregulated”	Dysregulation means your brain, body, and nervous system are not working together well. This usually happens when something stressful happens.
Autonomic nervous system	The autonomic nervous system helps control things your body does without thinking, like breathing, heart beating, and digestion.
Neuroception	Neuroception is how your body checks for danger or safety around you.
Polyvagal theory	Polyvagal theory was created by Dr. Stephen Porges. It explains how our nervous system reacts when we feel safe or when we feel in danger.
Dysautonomia	See What is Dysautonomia?