The fight or flight response is the body’s natural reaction to danger or stress. It gets the body ready to either fight the threat or run away to safety. This reaction happens automatically when the brain senses trouble.
The fight or flight response is the body’s natural reaction to danger or stress. It gets the body ready to either fight the threat or run away to safety. This reaction happens automatically when the brain senses trouble.
What is the fight or flight response in children?
The fight or flight response in children is a physiological reaction that occurs when they perceive a harmful event, attack, or threat to their survival.
How does the fight or flight response affect learning in children?
This response can implicate learning as it results in high-stress levels, potentially causing forgetfulness and lack of concentration.
How can parents help manage their child's fight or flight response?
Parents can teach their children deep-breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and techniques for positive visualization as methods to control this response.
Can use of visual schedules help in reducing fight or flight response?
Yes, visual schedules provide a sense of predictability and routine, reducing anxiety and thus the fight or flight response in children.
The fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response, is a physiological reaction that occurs when an individual perceives a threat or experiences a stressful event. This response is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause a cascade of physical changes, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, as well as a diversion of blood flow to the muscles, preparing the body to either confront the threat or flee from it. In children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the fight-or-flight response may be more easily triggered or more intense compared to neurotypical children.
Several neurodevelopmental conditions may be associated with an heightened or more easily triggered fight-or-flight response:
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | Sensory sensitivities and difficulty with change can trigger stress response |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | Impulsivity and emotional regulation challenges may exacerbate fight-or-flight |
| Anxiety Disorders | Heightened fear response and worry can lead to more frequent fight-or-flight activation |
| Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) | Difficulty processing sensory input can cause overload and trigger stress response |
It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and the presence of these conditions doesn’t necessarily mean a child will experience an exaggerated fight-or-flight response.
This post was originally published on Dec. 28, 2023. It was updated on June 14, 2024.
