Autism and Polyvagal theory Sean Inderbitzen

EPISODE 119
Autism and Polyvagal theory:
A Discussion with autistic psychotherapist,
Sean Inderbitzen

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Show Notes

Polyvagal theory has emerged over the past few decades as an important construct in psychology and neurophysiology to help explain human reactions, especially when a person is under stress. It addresses a deeper, neurological basis to for understanding fight, flight and freeze responses, that have been misunderstood for years when observed in neurodivergent individuals. Polyvagal theory also provides guidance for approaches to support individuals of all ages. Barry and Dave discuss polyvagal theory with Sean Inderbitzen, an autistic mental heah therapist who recently published a book on this topic, “Autism in Polyvagal Terms: New Possibilities and Interventions“.

Sean’s Website

Book: Autism in Polyvagal Terms

Featuring

Sean Inderbitzen - Autism Mental Health

SEAN INDERBITZEN

Sean M. Inderbitzen, DSW, LCSW, is an autistic psychotherapist and researcher through Mayo Clinic Health System. He regularly trains healthcare professionals to be more confident when working with people on the spectrum. His latest book is “Autism in Polyvagal Terms: New Possibilities and Interventions”.

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…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1. In your own words, what is your understanding of polyvagal theory? Have you been exposed to polyvagal theory before and if so, did this discussion deepen or clarify your understanding? Does this discussion change how you understand and how you will support autistic and neurodivergent individuals in your life?

2. What does Sean find that is so valuable about polyvagal theory when applied to understanding reactions of autistic individuals? How does Sean explain polyvagal theory to parents or others where the jargon might be intimidating?

3. How does Sean think about mindfulness as a practice consistent with polyvagal theory? What kind of mindfulness approaches are consistent with polyvagal theory, and why is “being in your body” important? Do you engage in such approaches with yourself, your children or students or clients, and if so, do you find them to be helpful?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.