Page 53 - Handbook Flipbook 2024 2025
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Key Messages: Brain Shaping
The threat response is designed to be a temporary change. If the threat
response is activated too often due to ongoing adverse experiences, the 1
stress chemicals can stay permanently on high.
Frequent activation of the stress response can also occur for
2 neurodifference brains navigating a neurotypical world
When stress chemicals are set permanently on high, the person’s ‘balance’
is skewed towards vulnerability – it is much harder to manage any extra 3
stressors that come along.
4 This means the person is more likely to react more intensely to
smaller problems or challenges.
High stress chemical levels and low DOSE changes how a person sees the
world - we call this their ‘colour lenses’ - they may enter situations feeling 5
defensive and on high alert.