Stress, Trauma and Self Regulation

INHIBITION

1. Asleep – most hypoactive state
2. Drowsy
3. Hypo-alert
4. calmly focused and alert
5. hyperalert
6. Flooded/ tantrum – most hyperactive state

ACTIVATION

Trauma is the brain’s emotional response to a distressing event that results in disrupted health patterns, mental, physical, or otherwise, in order to cope with stress.

Trauma memories occur like a film on repeat but you cannot control the on/ off switch.

Continued activation of the stress response system results in both structural and functional brain changes, particularly in a child’s developing brain.

How you might help

To down-regulate a child:

• high five breathing
• sensory table/ rooms
• earlier snack time
• school laps
• alternative seating
• role dice for activity (sit ups! roll dice gets 6 class does 6 sit us)
• do doing done method
• heated/ weighted pads/ blankets
• mindfullness videos