Overview
Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or sensory processing differences find HeartMath technology to be a valuable tool for emotional regulation. Unlike traditional therapy which requires verbal processing, our tools use biofeedback to help the user self-regulate through direct physiological feedback.
Why It Works
1. Non-Verbal Practice For those who find verbal communication draining or difficult, HeartMath offers a purely somatic solution.
- Inner Balance App: Users focus on a visual “Mandala” that expands and contracts.
- HeartMath App: The “Custom Session” feature creates a quiet, predictable environment with no spoken instructions—just a simple visual pacer and soft tones.
2. Concrete, Gamified Feedback Neurodivergent users often benefit from clear, cause-and-effect systems.
- Real-Time Rewards: The biofeedback provides immediate visual proof of their internal state. Watching the screen shift from Red/Orange to Green is a concrete reward that reinforces the behavior immediately.
- Engagement: This “gamified” aspect helps maintain focus without the need for abstract visualization or emotional labeling.
3. Sensory Regulation & Anxiety The primary goal of the practice is to shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight.” Regular, short usage (3–5 minutes) can help lower the physiological baseline of anxiety, making transitions and daily stressors more manageable.
Recommended Settings
- Start Small: We recommend short sessions (3 minutes) to avoid overwhelm.
- Use Audio Cues: Enable the “Breath Pacer” sounds in the settings. This allows the user to close their eyes and follow the sound if the visual screen becomes over-stimulating.