Group Discussion: Our Sensory Brains

Our spellers had the idea to talk about their unique sensory experiences. To kick off our discussion, we read the lesson "Got Glimmer?" by Debbie Spengler about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the "autonomic ladder" representation created by therapist Deb Dana. Here is a summary of what we learned:

Maudey: We learned about the autonomic ladder. That is a representation of how the nervous system works. 

Joe: The ventral vagal pathway is the top of the autonomic ladder. 

Rose: That is when we feel safe and calm too. 

Jack: The middle rung is the sympathetic branch of the ANS. That is where our flight or fight response lives. 

Alex: The bottom rung is the dorsal vagal pathway. That is shutdown mode.

Maudey: The brain has the adaptive flexibility to move up and down the ladder based on the sensory stimuli we get from our bodies and the environment around us. 

Alex: The lesson said triggers are what move us down the ladder. Glimmers are the name for what moves us up the ladder.

What are your thoughts about "The Autonomic Ladder" as a visual representation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Jack: I love this description of the ANS. It is easy to picture my brain moving up and down the rungs. I love how it describes the bottom rung is our most primitive state. That is what it feels like. All instinct no higher thought.

Alex: Definitely like the visual of a ladder. Sometimes it feels like I fell off the ladder completely. It is like the rungs all exist but sometimes you miss a step or twelve. I think this is a great teaching tool for others trying to understand autistic brains. The sensory system is more sensitive for us so we move up and down the ladder more quickly more often and more severely than NT [neurotypical] people. 

Dylan: Just like Alex said. It is a good teaching tool.

Joe: The description of the way is above the heads of my real lost heads. I mean when I am on the bottom rung my head is lost. It is only instinct. I am not in control. I cannot think or reason. It is scary. I really hate when that happens. 

Maudey: I like seeing this picture. It is a good way to describe the sensory response. Sometimes it is hard to have a good spot on the ladder. I mean staying on the top rung is tricky. 

Rose: It makes sense. It is a good way to visualize what it feels like. Staying on the top rung is a balancing act just like a real ladder. 

Christopher: Helpful description of the sensory system. I want to add that for autistic people our sensory response is more sensitive so it is harder to stay near the top rung. 

What are some of the triggers that cause you to move down the sensory ladder?

Jack: For me it is all about context. I love crowds and noise at a concert but if it gets loud in my classroom when I don’t expect it, it startles me. That is sometimes enough to move me down the ladder. Going new places is hard if I don’t know what to expect. I think my triggers are mostly internal. Things like those noises don’t bother me unless I am already feeling overwhelmed. 

Alex: I think I move down the ladder most from internal anxiety not external stimuli as much. Like my schedule changing or anticipating something new. 

Rose: My triggers are mostly internal too. Sometimes little things build up and it is hard for me not to fall off the top rung. 

Joe: My triggers are heavy noises like loud gunshots. Noises that sound like gunshots are loud clapping and rowdy crowds or anything I am not expecting. 

Maudey: I have many triggers. Some are things that would trigger anyone like being jealous or being scared by a loud noise. Some are because my sensory system is more sensitive than NT (neurotypical) people, like farm animal noises and balloons.

Christopher: I think my triggers are mostly internal, like if I don't feel well. It is frustrating if I can't say what is hurting me in the moment.

Dylan: The internal triggers are worse for me. I think anxiety is common for autists. It is harder having anxious thoughts when you can't talk through them typically.

What are some glimmers that help you move back up the ladder?

Alex: Glimmers are like warmth all over. They bring us out of survival mode and back to ourselves. Breathing normally again and feeling at peace. My glimmers are things like fresh air and movement also being with people who are not ever judging me. 

Maudey: Music I like is a glimmer. Sometimes when we hike past the horses I play “Proud Mary” and it helps. 

Christopher: Spelling! It is regulating both because it is rhythmic and calming and because it helps to get my thoughts out.

Joe: Really seems less easy to make a list of glimmers. Sometimes I get a better feeling from being understood. I guess spelling is a glimmer because it helps me feel more regulated.

Rosie: My glimmers are things that help me have a routine. Swimming also makes me feel better always. The water is like a weighted blanket for my sensory system. 

Jack: I like physical glimmers like hugs or stretching. I like music to settle my sensory system. Mostly I love going outside. 

Dylan: Nothing beats having the chance to communicate. Getting my thoughts out of my body and sharing them with someone else is the best way to calm my system.