Page 38 - Course 3 The Neurobiology Series

Key Messages: Signs Of Stress

We all have different ‘Prickle Habits’ – the habits that our brain has built to deal

with the unpleasant feelings of threat. 1

We need to help children to recognise their own ‘Prickle Habits’ and rehearse new
2 responses to threat. By practising these over and over again, these new, more

helpful habits will become automatic.

When our needs are not met well, we may be driven to meet our needs in any way
possible. This may be in unhelpful ways. Children exhibiting needs-seeking 3

behaviours need support in getting their DOSE in more helpful, pro-social ways.

4 All threat responses should be treated with the same level of compassion; they
are all driven by an unmet need and missing skills.

Stress can cause people to fall into powerless positions. When this happens,
people need support in recognising that they are in a powerless position and 5

shifting to an empowered position.