Term: Sympathetic Division of the ANS

“One of the two subdivisions of the ANS, having cell bodies of preganglionic neurons in the lateral grey columns of the thoracic segment and the first two or three lumbar segments of the spinal cord; primarily concerned with processes involving the expenditure of energy.” (1) In a nutshell, you are in a sympathetic state whenever you are in a state of stress.  It is the body’s “flight or fight” mode where the resources go to the essential bodily needs’ to survive a crisis.  The challenge is those that are in a chronic stress state (from infection, lack of sleep, pain,inflammation etc) are stuck in a sympathetic state on a prolonged basis.  Most children with neurodevelopmental disorders are in a state of chronic stress.