3. WHAT IS
‘NEUROLOGIC
AL
DIVERSITY’?
Also known as
“neurological
difference”
Literally – differences in
the way neural pathways
form
Clinically -
• differences in the
foundational wiring of the
brain
• Affects the way information
is received, interpreted and
delivered
Covers a broad
spectrum of diagnoses
including:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD)
• ADHD
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Dyslexia and related issues
4. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
INCLUDING ASPERGER’S SYNDROME
• Neuron formation provides different neurological
emphases
• Significantly more neural connections and pathways,
leading to confused and lost neural messages
• Strengths and challenges different from (and often
more extreme than) those of neurotypical people
Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, Catherine Lord, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Eric Courchesne, Stephen R. Dager, Christoph Schmitz, Robert T. Schultz, Jacqueline Crawley and Larry
J. Young. “The Developmental Neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Journal of Neuroscience. 28 June 2006, 26 (26) 6897-6906
5. ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY
DISORDER
(ADHD)
Three types
Predominantly inattentive type Predominantly hyperactive type Combined type
Neurochemical and neurostructural differences
www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/adhd/causes-of-adhd.php; www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/adhd; www.brittanyfichterwrites.com/no-singlefix-for-adhd;
www.adhdaustralia.org.au/about-adhd
6. SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER
An impairment in sensory integration: “…the
way in which the brain sorts out and organises
for our use the many sensations which we
receive.” That is, the way the brain:
• Receives sensory stimuli
• Interprets that stimuli
• Processes the stimuli into a response; and
• Adaptively responds to the stimuli
http://www.spdaustralia.com.au/about-sensory-processing-disorder
7. ALL OF THE “DYS’S”
dysLEXIA: difficulty reading and interpreting words (lexicon)
dysGRAPHIA: difficulty with shapes (including letter
shapes) (graphics)
dysCALCULIA: difficulty with numbers,
mathematical concepts etc. (calculations)
9. EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
A person’s ability to
organise, begin and
complete a task
Includes Working
Memory
Transitioning
between abstract
concepts and literal
details
Shifting flexibly
between major
themes and details
www.adhdaustralia.org.au/about-adhd/the-role-of-executive-functioning-in-adhd;
www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/CEC8-8.html
10. ELEMENTS OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
Recognising or
remembering that a task
needs to be undertaken
(e.g. Emptying school bag).
Formulating a plan to
complete the task
successfully (e.g. take lunch
box out. Put lunch box
away. Check bag for notes.
Put bag away.)
Finding motivation to
undertake the task.
Locating any tools required
to complete the task (e.g.
School bag, knowledge of
where the right place to put
the lunch box is, knowledge
of where the school bag
goes).
Being persistent in the face
of longevity or boredom
(and/or remember what it
is they are doing).
Monitoring progress (e.g.
“So, I’ve put my lunch box
away; now I need to check
the bag for notes.”)
Make changes required to
ensure the task is
completed (e.g. Realising
that the dirty jacket in the
bag also needs to come out
to be washed).
Completing the task.
11. EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
IDEAS THAT MAY HELP TO SUPPORT OTHER MEDICAL AND THERAPEUTIC
INTERVENTIONS
Visual cues and schedules Preferred learning style
“Dyslexie” font
(www.dyslexiefont.com)
Fish oil (Omega 3)
- DHA fat for brain health.
(xEO Mega Essential Oil)
Thyme Oil
slows down DHA degeneration in
the brain
Vitamin B (esp B6)
- Neurological health
- Serotonin
Probiotic
(PB Assist)
https://www.wellbeing.com.au/body/health/essential-oils-healthy-brain.html; https://draxe.com/natural-remedies-adhd/
12. EXECUTIVE
FUNCTION
OILS THAT MAY HELP
TO SUPPORT OTHER
MEDICAL AND
THERAPEUTIC
INTERVENTIONS
Oils that both calm stress and improve focus:
•Vetiver
•Cedarwood
•Rosemary
Oils that assist with memory and concentration:
•Peppermint
•Rosemary
•Intune (focus) blend
Oils to promote calm
•Lavender
•Ylang ylang
•Patchouli
Other oils
•Frankincense
•Copaiba
www.draxe.com; www.brainbalancecentres.com; www.wellbeing.com.au; “The Essential Life”, Total Wellness Publishing, 2015
13. USING THE OILS
•Aromatically: By inhaling the oil’s scent, it communicates quickly with the limbic system which controls mood and
awareness.
•Topically: Applying topically allows the oil to enter the blood stream and affect the whole person. Great spots
include the back of the neck, the soles of the feet, across the shoulders and along the spine. By using this oil to
massage in the shoulders and neck, the massage itself can also assist in calming and improving serotonin
production.
Oils can be used both topically and aromatically.
•In a 15mL roller
•3 d vetiver
•3 d lavender
•4 d cedarwood
•3 d frankincense
•FCO
Recipe
16. HORMONES & NEUROTRANSMITTERS
• Norepinephrine
• Dopamine
• Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
• Serotonin
• Melatonin
• Cortisol
The main hormones, neurotransmitters and peptides involved
with anxiety are:
Bhatt, Nita V, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Bienenfeld, David, MD. “Anxiety Disorders”. Medscape. 9 June 2017.
17. SEROTONIN
Neurotransmitter
(often referred to
as a hormone)
Integral to mood
balance
Found throughout
the body – gut,
brain, blood
platelets
Cannot cross
blood-brain barrier
(but 5-HTP can)
https://nootriment.com/serotonin-and-melatonin; www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248
19. CORTISOL
Integral to sympathetic nervous system (freeze, fight, flight)
When the body remains in a heightened state of arousal, levels increase
Increased levels impact other hormones and neurotransmitters
Increased cortisol levels correlate with decreased serotonin levels
http://flipper.diff.org/app/items/3973; http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-cortisol-definition-function-deficiency-symptoms.html;
Tafet GE, Idoyaga-Vargas VP, Abulafia DP, Calandria JM, Roffman SS, Chiovetta A, Shinitzky M. “Correlation between cortisol level and serotonin
uptake in patients with chronic stress and depression”. Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Neuroscience. 2001 Dec;1(4):388-93.
20. THE HORMONAL CYCLE OF ANXIETY
Stress/anxiety
High cortisol levels
Decreased serotonin
Low
mood/depression
Decreased
melatonin
Interrupted sleep
Reduced ability
to cope
21. OUR FAMILY’S STRATEGIES
SLEEP
Melatonin Essential Oils Naturopath Light Music
To begin with, we used
prescribed melatonin
from the paediatrician.
2mg slow release 1 hour
before bed time. (Slow
release for my son
because getting to sleep
is not the issue, rather
staying asleep). We since
reduced and have now
completely eliminated
the need for melatonin.
• Topical
• Internal
• Diffused
(more details later)
Prescribed GABA
supplements
(no longer required)
Light triggers the pineal
gland to stop melatonin
production
• Reduce natural light in
the bedroom
• Use red light (instead
of green/blue) on
clocks etc.
Air and/or bone
conduction
22. OUR FAMILY’S STRATEGIES
ANXIETY
Taking time to help get out of “defence mode”.
Occupational Therapy
Reducing sensory defensiveness through sound therapy, therapressure protocols etc.
Essential Oils
Topical and Diffused (more info later)
Gut health – a whole other class (or series of classes)
“Second Brain”. Vital to brain health and immune system.
Psychologist
Emotional Literacy. Tools and strategies for dealing with acute anxiety.
Naturopath
GABA, 5HTP
School
Working with aides and teachers to help minimise obstacles.
23. STRATEGIES FOR ACUTE ANXIETY
“Bubble Breaths” aka
“Lazy 8 Breaths”
1. Breathe in through the nose
2. Hold the breath for a second
3. Slowly release the breath, through the
mouth, as if trying to blow a bubble
breathe out
5,4,3,2,1 for panic attacks
1. Name 5 things you can see
2. Name 4 things you can hear
3. Name 3 things you can touch
4. Name 2 things you can smell
5. Name 1 thing you like about yourself
http://www.hope-therapy-center.com/single-post/2016/04/06/54321-Method-
to-Reduce-Anxiety
24. SUPPORT
THROUGH
ESSENTIAL
OILS
Different oils affect
different people, well,
differently!
Don’t be afraid to try
different blends
Find blends that work in
different circumstances
(eg. A day of little
physical activity or
“tired but wired”etc.)
Find a blend that works
for you, too! Don’t
forget self care (that’s
another whole class,
too)
Vetiver is the bomb!
25. SUPPORT THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS
SLEEP – DIFFUSER BLENDS
• 10 drops each + FCO in a 15mL roller
• 2 drops each + 1 drop vetiver in diffuser overnight
Lavender Peace (calming blend) + Balance
(grounding blend)
• 2 drops each in diffuser overnightWild Orange + Vetiver
• 3 drops each in a diffuser overnight
Cedarwood + Manuka +
Vetiver
• 3 drops each in a diffuser overnight
Easy Air/Breathe (respiratory blend) +
Cedarwood + Petitgrain
26. SUPPORT THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS
SLEEP – ROLLER BLEND
Jannah’s
Melatonin
Roller
Blend for
a 5mL
roller
5 drops cedarwood
5 drops vetiver
4 drops patchouli
3 drops spikenard
3 drops frankincense
FCO
28. SUPPORT THROUGH
ESSENTIAL OILS
DEFENCE MODE
Oil of connection – assists in building trust, creating a safe
space
Use topically (if you’re allowed to)
Diffuse
Use internally (again, if you can manage it)
Use other oils with a preferred scent to
mask the scent, if required.
29. SUPPORT THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS
ANXIETY
Lavender Peace
15 drops + FCO in a
15mL roller
2-4 drops in a
diffuser
Bergamot +
Wild Orange
10 drops each + FCO
in a 15mL roller
2-4 drops each in a
diffuser
Bergamot +
Cedarwood +
Vetiver
8 drops each + FCO
in a 15mL roller
2-4 drops each in a
diffuser
Easy Air/Breathe
(respiratory blend) +
Balance (grounding
blend) + Frankincense
8 drops each + FCO
in a 15mL roller
Ginger + Wild
Orange + Lemon
5 drops each + FCO
in a 15mL roller
30. SUPPORT THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS
ANXIETY
Other oils
Elevation (joyful blend)
Cheer (uplifting blend)
Litsea
Lime
Petitgrain
Clary Sage
Lavender
Roman Chamomile
31. SUPPORT THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS
EXTRAS
DDR Prime
Cellular Complex
Blend
Cell Repair
Copaiba
Improve mood
Boost immunity
Reduce
inflammation
In a 15mL
roller:
20 drops DDR
Prime +
10 drops
copaiba +
FCO
Apply along
spine, sub
occipital
triangle and/or
soles of feet
www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/copaiba-essential-oil.html; https://drericz.com/copaiba-
essential-oil-uses/
32. SUPPORT THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS
HOW TO USE THEM TOPICALLY
• Sub occipital triangle (denty bit of neck below skull)
• Massage under the big toe of both feet, if
tolerated
• Massage onto pad of thumb
• Along both sides of the spine
• Behind ears
‘Neurological diversity’ or ‘neurological difference’ encompasses an enormous spectrum ranging from the everyday, such as an individual’s preferred learning style, to issues that have a major impact on the life of a person and those around them. It literally means a difference in the way neural pathways form in the brain. We are all neurologically different from each other – no two people are wired in exactly the same way because it is not just DNA that determines how our brains are wired, but our experiences, our environment and our choices.
However, the term ‘neuro diverse’ is used professionally to describe a brain whose difference is found in more than the ‘superficial’ wiring of everyday differences but extends to the foundational wiring of the way a brain receives, interprets and provides information. There is a whole range of diagnoses that fall under the umbrella of neurological diversity, but some of the more common ones include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD – this includes Asperger’s Syndrome), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). There are others such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and so on and so forth.
In this class, we will focus on ASD and ADHD with a bit of SPD, dyslexia and a few others thrown in. We will work through an understanding of these issues and explore ideas that may assist people living with neurological difference – be it your own difference or that of someone you know.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a different way of neurons forming in the brain, giving different neurological emphases from those in neuro typical people. Recent research suggests that not only are pathways formed differently, but there are a lot more of them, giving rise to confusion in the way neural messages are processed. Consequently, autistic people often have strengths and challenges different from neuro typical people in the receiving, processing and expression of information. These strengths and challenges, as with all people, differ not just from person to person but from situation to situation.
The cause of ADHD is not yet known, but there is increasing thought that it has something to do with both neurochemical and neurostructural differences.,
These differences are most noticeable in the behaviours demonstrated by those with these differences.
Sensory processing disorder is a neurological difference affecting up to 1 in 20 people. It affects the way a person receives stimuli and can affect learning, social skills, relationships, motor skills and coordination. It is an impairment in ‘sensory integration’: “…the way in which the brain sorts out and organises for our use the many sensations which we receive.”
In other words, sensory integration is our body’s ability to:
Receive sensory stimuli
Interpret that stimuli
Process the stimuli into a response; and
Adaptively respond to the stimuli
People living with sensory processing disorder experience a disruption in the brain’s ability to integrate and discriminate incoming sensory information.
Briefly, the prefix ‘dys’ refers to a dysfunction (something not working properly) and the associated suffix points to the area the dysfunction is experienced.
While all of these issues are distinct from each other, they are often co-morbidities of each other and do have some challenges that overlap. Two of the main challenges are executive function difficulties and anxiety. Sleep is another area that can be challenging and some of the hormones and neurotransmitters involved with good sleep are integral to regulating anxiety.
Executive function is a person’s ability to organise, begin and complete a task. It also impacts their working memory. It is difficulty “organising and prioritising numerous details, juggling these details in working memory, and shifting flexibly between abstract concepts and literal details as well as from major themes to the details
As you can imagine, when you are being bombarded all day, every day with stimuli that your brain struggles to process, your body tends to put itself into a heightened state of arousal, or ‘flight, fight or freeze’ mode. This means that your body is constantly on the lookout for threats, both real and perceived, and these ‘threats’ can come from almost anywhere: An unexpected bump from a classmate, someone dropping a book down the hall or a look from a colleague that you can’t interpret. Consequently, many neuro diverse people live in a constant state of anxiety that is detrimental to both their physical and mental health. As you can see from this diagram, the path to shut down or zone out is through anxiety.
The main hormones, neurotransmitters and peptides involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety are norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Others that are inextricably linked with these are melatonin and cortisol. Serotonin, melatonin and cortisol with be our focus today.
Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter (although it is often referred to as a hormone), integral to mood balance. Serotonin is found throughout the body, including the brain, the digestive tract and blood platelets. Due to its inability to cross the blood brain barrier, only serotonin produced in the brain can be used by the brain2, , however, tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (from which serotonin is synthensised) can.
Melatonin is a neurotransmitter, integral to regulating sleep. The body produces it from serotonin. Production of melatonin is initiated by the pineal gland in the brain as natural light begins to fade.
Cortisol is a hormone that assists the body respond to threats, both real and perceived. While cortisol has an important role to play, if a body remains in a heightened state of arousal for an extended period, the levels of the hormone increase to such an extent that it impacts upon other hormone and neurotransmitter levels. Of particular interest is the fact that increased cortisol levels correlate with decreased serotonin levels.
So, as you can see, these three chemicals interact with each other and play huge roles in areas such as anxiety, mood and sleep – three areas that neuro diverse people often struggle with. The anxiety usually stems from the difficulty they have in processing information as well as trying to ‘fit in’ with the world they were born in to. This constant anxiety produces increased levels of cortisol which leads to decreased serotonin which in turn affects sleep. Disturbed sleep means that they have less energy to deal with the world which leads to increased anxiety and thus the vicious cycle continues.
It may seem ‘obvious’ then, that all we have to do is reduce a person’s anxiety, thus boosting serotonin levels and consequently seeing an increase in melatonin production. So much easier said than done. As noted above, the anxiety experienced by an autistic person has root causes that have no easy fix, and once sleep cycles are interrupted, they have less energy to devote to dealing with the anxiety anyway, so we have to be considerate and creative in how we tackle this issue.
There are several strategies that we use to assist us in times of acute anxiety, including using grounding/mindfulness techniques as taught by our (awesome!) psychologist. Firstly, breathing. We actually call them ‘bubble breaths’ in our house because you breathe in through your nose, hold it for a second and then blow out, gently through your mouth, as if you were trying to blow a bubble. This limits a forceful (and not overly helpful) expulsion of air. If more is required, use the “5,4,3,2,1 technique”. Name 5 things they can see, 4 things they can touch, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell and 1 thing that they like about themselves.
There are lots of different oils that can assist with sleep and anxiety and people react to the oils so differently. Lavender is a perfect example. It is often touted as an oil ‘guaranteed’ to help you get to sleep and yet there are people (my youngest, for example) who find they have the complete opposite reaction. So, it really is a case of try it and see. The point of this class is to give you a starting point. However, one oil I would ALWAYS recommend is Vetiver. It has a great calming influence and is indicated to assist with melatonin production.
Getting out of defence mode is primary. Not much point to all the other things until this process has well and truly started (although it doesn’t have to be completed, either).