1/29 The Autonomic Nervous System: Why Neurodivergent Brains Burn Out Faster

We’ll explore how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) — the part of your nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions (heart rate, digestion, breathing) — is often overtaxed in neurodivergent or chronically ill students. We’ll examine how dysregulation (constantly being in “fight or flight” or unable to switch into “rest and digest”) contributes to chronic fatigue, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive overload.

Key topics:

• Basics of ANS: sympathetic vs parasympathetic activation

• How sensory overload, emotional intensity, or chronic illness can keep the system stuck in high alert

• Signs your ANS is overactive (rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, insomnia, digestive upset)

• Strategies to regulate: grounding, vagus nerve exercises, paced breathing, environment adjustments

  
  

Resources:

• article on gut-brain axis and ANS interactions: Banner Health+2PubMed Central+2

• article on neurodivergent sleep and regulation: SleepWatch+2Candor Diversity Group+2