This presentation explores the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on its impact on stress regulation and social behavior. It explains the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branches and highlights heart rate variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and pre-ejection period (PEP) as key physiological measures. The talk connects ANS functioning to social engagement, citing theories like the polyvagal theory, and discusses findings of reduced parasympathetic regulation in autistic individuals, influenced by factors like BMI. What makes this video unique is its emphasis on linking physiological arousal to social communication in autism, supported by research on autonomic differences and their clinical implications.
Simple OT Tips to Encourage Your Baby’s Crawling Journey
Wondering how to encourage your baby to crawl? Discover tried-and-true occupational therapy (OT) tips that support strength, coordination, and confidence
