09/11/2025
Neuroception, Sensory Overwhelm & Homeostasis
Stephen Porges describes neuroception as the body’s automatic, subconscious process of scanning for cues of safety or danger. The nervous system does this constantly — from inside the body (interoception), outside the body (environmental input) and in between (social and relational cues).
This means a person’s nervous system can detect “threats” long before they can articulate, or even realise, what they are feeling. That’s why teachers / parents often say, “But nothing happened” before a student / child becomes dysregulated. From the outside, nothing is visible. But from the inside, the student/child’s nervous system has already picked up a sensory or relational signal that disordered their sense of safety.
In my work, I frame this through the lens of sensory overwhelm and sensory homeostasis. When sensory input tips the nervous system out of balance, the body shifts away from homeostasis — the state where regulation, safety and learning occur. Instead, neuroception flags “danger,” triggering performances that look explosive or challenging, but are actually signs of survival physiology.
The key for educators, therapists and families is recognising that what we call “behaviour” is quite often a neurobiological response to hidden sensory or relational triggers. By supporting sensory homeostasis — balancing input and restoring calm — we help the nervous system return to safety, reducing overwhelm and fostering regulation.
*Neuroception explains why the body reacts to unseen threats.
*Sensory Homeostasis explains how to restore safety and balance.
