Physiology of Escalation

This sequence connects behavioral observation to the biological science of the stress response. Students investigate the 'why' behind warning signs by studying the sympathetic nervous system and the 'fight, flight, or freeze' response, culminating in a biological profile of behavioral escalation.

Amygdala Hijack Physiology

Students learn the brain science behind escalation, specifically how the amygdala overrides the prefrontal cortex. They map this internal process to external signs like flushed skin or dilated pupils.

SNS Activation Physiology

This lesson focuses on high-arousal symptoms such as heavy breathing, sweating, and trembling. Students review medical case studies to understand these as automatic responses to perceived threats.

The Anxiety Agitation Connection

Students explore how anxiety manifests physically before turning into aggression, looking at behaviors like pacing or wringing hands as attempts to self-regulate excess energy. This reframes 'acting out' as a coping mechanism.

Environmental Triggers and Sensory Overload

Students investigate how environmental factors (noise, light, crowding) can trigger physiological escalation. They conduct an audit of a classroom or common area to identify potential sensory triggers.

Mapping the Seven Stages of Escalation

Students create a timeline or flowchart that correlates the seven stages of behavior escalation (Calm, Trigger, Agitation, Acceleration, Peak, De-escalation, Recovery) with specific physiological markers.