Moyna Talcer Consultant Occupational Therapist

26/02/2026

Frisson (from the French word meaning “a shiver”) is a brief, intense physiological response to emotionally moving stimuli, most commonly music.

It can feel like:
• A wave of chills down the spine
• Goosebumps on the arms
• Tingling across the scalp
• A lump in the throat
• Sudden warmth in the chest
• Even tears

Goosebumps occur due to activation of the autonomic nervous system, specifically a sympathetic nervous system response. Tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles contract causing the hairs to stand up.

When music triggers frisson, the brain’s reward and emotion centers, including dopamine pathways, become highly active. In essence, your nervous system is responding to beauty, meaning, connection, and emotional prediction in sound.

Research suggests that about 50–60% of the general population reports experiencing frisson at least occasionally. However, studies indicate the experience is more frequent and more intense in neurodivergent individuals, including autistic people and those with ADHD. Some research samples suggest rates as high as 70–80% in neurodivergent groups.

But why is this?

Neurodivergent nervous systems often demonstrate:
• Heightened sensory processing
• Increased emotional intensity
• Strong pattern recognition
• Deep attunement to detail in sound

From a sensory integration perspective, music can act as highly organised, rhythmic input that the brain both predicts and experiences as surprise, a powerful combination for dopamine release.

One of the most fascinating findings is that individuals who frequently experience frisson often score higher on measures of empathy, emotional openness, and compassion.

Neuroimaging studies show stronger connectivity between auditory processing areas and emotional processing networks in people who experience musical chills regularly.

In other words, frisson may reflect a nervous system that is highly attuned — not just to sound, but to meaning and connection.

From a Sensory Integration Lens, Frisson is not “overreacting.” It is not “too sensitive.” It is a beautifully regulated surge of emotional-sensory integration.

For many neurodivergent individuals, music becomes:
• A regulation tool
• A processing outlet
• A safe container for intense feelings
• A bridge to connection

If you or your child experience goosebumps or chills with music, that’s your nervous system doing something remarkable in integrating sensory input with emotional depth.

And in my professional opinion? It’s one of the most exquisite examples of how the body and brain are designed for connection.

Have you ever experienced chills from a song? I’d love to hear what music moves you. 🎶

I experience frisson often, almost always to music. This video of gave me frisson, did it you?

857.5K likes, 5574 comments. “Creating a song with the Audience Symphony Orchestra live in San Francisco! The full 20min video is on YouTube 😊”

26/02/2026

Amazing contribution

I am thrilled to announce our new publication in the Journal of Research in Neurodiversity: Sensory-processing informed autism practice for child-centered therapists!

This paper emphasizes the need for flexible, sensory-informed, and child-centered approaches, and provides practical strategies to create supportive environments, strengthen interoception and emotional understanding, and foster connection without compromising the child’s agency.

And what fun to write with this group: Dee C. Ray, Kade Sharp, Kim Clairy, Sean M. Inderbitzen, Amy C. Laurent, Jacquelyn H. Fede, and Jonathan T. Delafield-Butt . An extra special thank you to lead author Stuart Daniel for spearheading this article and for his amazing patience and encouragement to think deeply about interoception in relation to this topic. I am so honored to be amongst all of these amazing co-authors.

Read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305057982600001X?dgcid=coauthor

26/02/2026

Sometimes transitions can be really tough for some of my neurodivergent clients. This is why Nalah, my therapy dog, trained with Pawsitive Squad is such an asset. She helps those transitions feel a little less intense and shifts the focus from the individual to her fluffy face, making it more gentle and less scary. Nalah is delighted to be part of the team and absoloutely adores her role.

25/02/2026

This gave me goosebumps.

25/02/2026

This is a deep ache for many. Its never spoken about openly and within that feeling is a deep sorrow and isolation.

25/02/2026

The excellent Helicopter Swing has arrived and was taken for its test flight by my amazing brother-in-law.

This swing is used for developing bilateral motor co-ordination, balance reflexes, visuomotor skills, improving postural (flexor and extensor) muscle tone and general stimulation of the nervous system through strong activation of the vestibular and proprioceptive system receptors.

Its actually pretty hard work! It will be a brilliant addition to the clinic space.

25/02/2026

As a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist trained in Sensory Integration, I’m often looking for ways to support regulation and sensory feedback in my clients.

Vibration can be a powerful form of sensory input. When used thoughtfully, it may help with:

• Sensory regulation – Rhythmic vibration can provide organizing proprioceptive input, which may help some individuals feel calmer or more alert depending on how it’s used.

• Body awareness – Vibration stimulates muscles and joints, potentially enhancing proprioceptive feedback and postural activation.

• Arousal modulation – For certain nervous systems, vibration can support transitions between states (for example, waking up the body before tasks requiring focus).

• Motor activation – Some individuals show improved readiness for movement or engagement after brief vibration exposure.

However, vibration is not universally beneficial. Sensory systems are highly individual, and there are important considerations.

Possible contraindications / caution areas:

Vibration may not be appropriate for individuals who:

• Are highly sensitive to tactile or vestibular input
• Experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, or disorientation with movement
• Have a history of seizures (vibration may be overstimulating for some)
• Present with certain medical conditions (joint instability, acute injuries, implanted medical devices, etc.)
• Become dysregulated with intense proprioceptive input
For some nervous systems, vibration can be over-alerting rather than regulating, leading to agitation, anxiety, or distress.

Important considerations when using vibration plates with children:

Children require extra care because their sensory systems and musculoskeletal structures are still developing.

Potential issues include:

• Overstimulation – Children may not recognize or communicate discomfort until dysregulation occurs
• Difficulty grading intensity – Many plates provide strong input that may be too intense
• Postural safety – Maintaining stable positioning can be challenging
• Joint stress – Excessive vibration may place strain on developing joints and particularly hypermobile bodies.
• Behavioral misinterpretation – Excitement or silliness may be mistaken for regulation
• Mismatch of sensory needs – Not all children benefit from vibration; some may find it distressing.

Vibration is not a “one-size-fits-all” tool. What is regulating for one child may be overwhelming for another.

As with any sensory strategy, effectiveness depends on:

✔ Individual sensory profile and clinical assessment
✔ Intensity, duration, and context
✔ Careful observation of responses
✔ Professional guidance when needed

Sensory supports work best when they are personalized, purposeful, and responsive to the nervous system, rather than driven by trends or equipment alone.

If you’re considering vibration-based tools, focus first on understanding the individual’s sensory processing patterns. That’s where meaningful regulation truly begins. If in doubt always start with less and not whole body experiences and consistently monitor for signs of overstimulation or discomfort.

For me personally using the vibration plate every day is brilliant for regulation and also the drainage of lymphatic fluids. I have to be very careful though because I have hypermobility, my si joints can become very sensitive after using vibration for too long so if you are also hyper mobile please proceed with extreme caution.

22/02/2026

We reopen after half term on Monday 23rd February 💜

SEND Empowerment Advocacy provides free, independent SEND support services to families navigating the SEND system. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to accessing advocacy, understanding your rights, or securing the provision your child is legally entitled to.

If you need clear guidance, practical support, or someone to help you feel heard and empowered, we are here to help.

You can contact us via email or visit our website for more information.

📧info@send-empowerment.co.uk
💻www.send-empowerment.co.uk

22/02/2026

Please share and sign.

We urge the Government to recognise the growing cohort of autistic children with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile who are unable to attend school safely.

21/02/2026

https://breathworkalliance.com/members/kate-woolridge/

I am sharing my dear friend Kate's breathwork page. Kate is an amazing human who has trained as a breathwork practitioner. If you live in Surrey and would like to learn how to improve your wellbeing, lower your stress response and gain vital skills in self regulation and self compassion, go check out her new page. I highly recommend her skills to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted.

Hey there, I’m Kate. I’m 48 years old, happily married to Samantha, and a proud mum to our two beautiful daughters. We live on an old farm in Surrey, in the south of England — a place that perfectly reflects my love for nature, simplicity, and connection. Before stepping into breathwork, I spe...

19/02/2026

Day 3: Final masterclass day today with Gabor Mate talking about how healing the heart is key when healing from trauma.

Core take aways regarding the importance of healing the heart:

Gabor describes the 5 levels of compassion which are essential to move through the trauma:

1. Ordinary human compassion: to be with another person who is in pain and be present to their suffering.

2. Compassion of understanding: its not enough to understand compassion and suffering, you must seek to understand the source of the suffering. The Why.

3. Compassion of recognition: you recognise their pain and suffering in your own (even if they source of theor pain is different to yours).

4. Compassion of truth: you must be able to work with others suffering and be willing to look into the reality of what is. Seek to find the truth of their suffering.

5. Compassion of possiability: you must seek to really see possiability of healing in others despite their demeanor when suffering. You must seek their true self, underneath the suffering and the pain.

As a therapist, working very often with clients and famalies who have suffered and are still suffering from big T and Little T trauma, I can reflect on how through experience in clinical practice, I do move through these levels and can see how powerful it is for clients and famalies to feel seen and understood. I have experienced some very powerful moments in therapy which have deeply moved me as a result of moving through the levels of compassion.

True change and healing happens when one human recognises, validates and affirms the suffering of another. This is a powerful and deeply connected moment where a person feels truely seen, heard and acknowledged without judgement.

Gabor Maté thank you for a insightful evening.