Hypoarousal versus Hyperarousal - Dandelion Training & Development

When we experience stress, we can have two different reactions:

Hyperarousal – where we feel overwhelmed by the stress
Hypoarousal – where we feel numbed by the stress

Any of us can become hyper or hypo aroused, however we frequently see these actions in children who are neurodiverse, such as those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing needs and attention deficit disorder (to name only a few).

Hypoarousal

Hypoarousal occurs when we feel under-whelmed, it is associated with low arousal levels and can impact our sleep, eating habits, mood and energy levels, it can be described as:

a ‘freeze’ response
feeling numb
feeling dissociated
feeling frozen
feeling like you are disconnected
daydreaming
brain fog
exhaustion
being very quiet or withdrawn
socially isolating
being unable to make decisions
finding it hard to concentrate
reporting having no memories of an event

When a child (or adult) experiences hypoarousal they can find it extremely difficult to alert others to their needs, and often become invisible, as they are not up-regulating or acting out to get attention that they are struggling.

Children who are hypoaroused, can be seen as sensory avoiding. Trying to reduce the input they experience and trying to decompress and regulate. However, this can look like they do not care, or are not interested. Children who are hypoaroused will frequently withdraw to decompress and reset their bodies sympathetic nervous system from the freeze response to the sympathetic nervous system (rest).

Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal is the other end of the scale, where a child (or adult) becomes overwhelmed by their environment. This can be from people, sensory input, situations, events or factors such as illness. Children who are hyperaroused, often are sensory seeking. They are looking to gain input to regulate.

Hyperarousal causes a child to feel overwhelmed and over stimulated by the environment. It creates the fight – flight response to be activated in the body. It can lead to symptoms and behaviours such as:

agitation
frustration
irritability
fidgeting
trying to escape
physical aggression
anger
risky behaviours
hypervigilance
unable to concentrate
unable to communicate needs
intruding on personal space
constantly touching other people or things
unable to sit still
seeking out noise, colour or smells
sensory seeking
paranoia
looking for risks / dangers

Children who are hyperaroused, up-regulate their responses to ‘tell’ us that there is a problem. However, this can frequently be mislabelled as poor behaviour. Hyperarousal tells us that the child’s nervous system is overwhelmed, and they will often tell us that they are not safe through words, actions or behaviours. They need support to decompress and regulate.

Note

Some children will move between hyperarousal and hypoarousal, impacted by different triggers, or combinations of triggers. Therefore, their strategies may vary depending on the situation.

How can we support?

We can support children by considering what they need – the best way to identify this is through conversation at a time when they are calm, children often, instinctively, know what they need.

Children who are aroused can be helped with a range of strategies, the core requirement is that we:

Find their preferred strategies (these will be different for every child)
Work these strategies into the day, not just at the point of overwhelm
Implementing regulation time after busy days, or before busy events
Considering what snacks and foods we add to lunchboxes to support at school
Trial and testing to find the best combination
Communicating so that all adults are aware of how to help

Strategies

Co-regulating with a trusted adult
Calm, quiet voices
Remove any audience
Breathing exercises
Listening to music
Crunchy snacks
Cold drinks with a straw
Ice packs
Scents (e.g. lavender)
Massage
Holding a hand (if desired)
Hugs (if desired)
Safe spaces
Quiet spaces
Limit questions and conversation to reduce pressure
Yoga
Repetitive physical activity such as swinging, rolling, jumping
Meditation
Hypnotherapy
Weighted blankets
Play doh, slime or fidget toys
Silence
Naps
Noise cancelling headphones
Bi-lateral stimulation tracks

Want to learn more?

If you want to learn more about child and adolescent mental health, you can join our Level 4 training (here) or keep an eye out for our new specialist courses coming soon (here).

Further help

For more articles about mental health visit – ARTICLES

To learn more about child and adolescent mental health visit – COURSES

For resources to support child and adolescent mental health visit –RESOURCES