Catalight is changing how the world supports people with autism and intellectual disabilities. We’re building a more equitable future through innovative care solutions, research, and open conversations.
Join us as we explore groundbreaking research, hear from experts, and uncover new ways to empower individuals and families. Together, we can create a world where everyone thrives.
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Catalight is changing how the world supports people with autism and intellectual disabilities. We’re building a more equitable future through innovative care solutions, research, and open conversations.
Join us as we explore groundbreaking research, hear from experts, and uncover new ways to empower individuals and families. Together, we can create a world where everyone thrives.
Ep. 11 - The Owl Brain, The Cheetah Brain, The Possum Brain
What’s Up With Catalight!
42 minutes
6 months ago
Ep. 11 - The Owl Brain, The Cheetah Brain, The Possum Brain
Host Lindsey Sneed was unfamiliar with the term 'polyvagal theory' until recently. After reading “Autism in Polyvagal Terms,” however, she saw how guest and author Sean Inderbitzen is using the body-based approach and lived experience to conceptualize autism in a brand-new way.
The polyvagal theory – centered around how vagal nerve branches control unconscious behaviors – has been prominent topic in the self-help section of bookstores since the ‘90s, but Dr. Inderbitzen posits that we can also use it to better understand the challenges of autism and look at nearly all mental health diagnoses along with the full human condition through the theory’s lens. In doing so, he came up with analogy that, in response to feelings of safety or threat, the vagus nerve triggers one of three brains: the owl (when we’re curious and open), the cheetah (fight or flight) and the possum (shutting down).
He and Dr. Sneed discuss the novel concept, Sean’s motivation to increase access to mental health services and how demonstrating kindness is one of the most important themes of the book.
"Autism in Polyvagal Terms" by Sean Inderbitzen: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324053217
To learn more about Sean, hear him speak or book a consultation: https://linktr.ee/seaninderbitzen
What’s Up With Catalight!
Catalight is changing how the world supports people with autism and intellectual disabilities. We’re building a more equitable future through innovative care solutions, research, and open conversations.
Join us as we explore groundbreaking research, hear from experts, and uncover new ways to empower individuals and families. Together, we can create a world where everyone thrives.
