Neuro Distress defines the internal state of "crisis" or
sensory overload in which body functions may suddenly go awry.

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In neural damage, inevitable changes
can occur --

not only in motor and memory functions, but also in the ability to tolerate and/or process sensory stimuli from the environment.

The brain may tire more easily, limiting the amount of information that can be taken in or processed for any length of time.

Damaged processors can leave the body overly-sensitive to bright lights, loud noises or movement, for example, that can trigger overload or a state of "internal crisis."

"In Neuro Distress, far more energy must be exerted to perform basic cognitive and motor tasks."

    G. Prigatano,1999

Symptoms of Neuro Distress

• tension
  
• headaches
• dizziness
• glassy eyes
• seizure
• flushed face
• tremors
• balance problems
• difficulty thinking
• vision disturbance
• difficulty speaking
• racing heartbeat
• numbness in hands, feet, legs
• shortness of breath
• confusion
• nausea
• tightness in abdomen or chest
• ringing in the ears

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In Neuro Distress, cognitive and motor functions appear to shut down or at least have a diminished capacity to function.

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The (D)AT practitioner considers the disabled person's altered nervous system. S/he closely monitors the client’s level of fatigue or Neuro Distress to identify potential "stressors" in order to:

help the client rebuild his/her tolerance to stimuli and redevelop information processing abilities.

Helping the client manage neuro distress is key in NAT treatment and distinguishes it from more traditional art therapy approaches.