In my video The Vagus Nerve’s Role in Autism we learned all about what the vagus nerve is and how stimulating it can calm our autistic children.
Completing vagus nerve exercises two times a day for just five minutes can yield positive results in about two weeks. However, the fun and bonding that occurs while you’re completing these exercises will provide you with an immediate short-term mood boost.
Vagus Nerve Exercises for Your Autistic Child
These simple exercises can be completed at home, most with no equipment and at no cost.
- Deep breathing
- Laughing
- Hugging
- Singing or humming
- Gargling
- Massage
- Inducing gag reflex (careful with this one!)
- External stimulation with a device
- Having positive social connections – this one can be hard for our kids, but worth continuing to work on
Vagal nerve stimulation works in part because of its effect on the brain’s plasticity. These exercises stimulate the brain’s ability to develop new neural connections – this is how we learn.
Imagine the possibilities for learning, calm, and behavior improvement. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a calmer, more peaceful home?
Vagus Nerve Exercises are a Risk Free Intervention
There are no negative side effects associated with vagus nerve exercises. In fact, they can benefit everyone in the house. Completing these fun activities as a family can lead to reduced stress for everyone and we all know that stress plays a huge role in our overall health.
You can’t out-supplement stress, you have to learn to manage it. Vagus nerve exercises can become a fun part of your stress management toolbox.
Try them at home today for an immediate laugh and long-term results.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing a great job.
I hope this information has been helpful to you as part of creating Your Autism Game Plan.
Do you have a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email me at joya@yourautismgameplan.com
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