Research

Nervous System, Energy, & Burnout

Understanding how our bodies metabolize stress is the first step to bypassing friction and preventing accidental energy bankruptcy.

• Dr. Dan Siegel: Foundational work on the Window of Tolerance, mapping out our optimal zone of nervous system arousal where learning and engagement can happen, and the physiological costs of being pushed into hyper-arousal (overload) or hypo-arousal (shutdown).

• Dr. Stephen Porges: Foundational work on Polyvagal Theory, explaining how our nervous system subconsciously assesses safety. In our coaching, this theory explains the biological mechanics behind self-regulation, error tolerance, the capacity for play and exploration, and the deep need for social safety and belonging.

• Dr. Bruce McEwen: Research on the "wear and tear" on the body caused by chronic stress (Allostatic Load), distress tolerance, and the physiological importance of having a sense of meaning and purpose.

• Dr. Dora Raymaker: Explains that burnout is caused by a mismatch between external expectations/environment and biological abilities, rather than a personal failure.

• Maja Toudal: Provides the sociological basis for treating our energy as a finite bank account that requires deliberate deposits and withdrawals.

• Julian Rotter: Research on emotional control and the internal locus of control.

Cognitive Styles, Autonomy, & Executive Functioning

Traditional motivation systems often fail neurodivergent brains. These theories map out the exact neurological "start costs" required to engage.

• Edward Deci & Richard Ryan: Foundational work on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), emphasizing that sustainable, intrinsic motivation requires a foundation of autonomy and a genuine sense of internal competence.

• Dr. Dinah Murray: Demonstrates how the neurodivergent brain enters deep "attention tunnels," and why transitioning between tasks causes high metabolic pain.

• Dr. Karen Buckle: Identifies the specific neurological "static friction" required to initiate or change physical movement (Autistic Inertia).

• Harry Thompson: Highlights how external demands can trigger an immediate threat response, and how securing autonomy reduces this.

• Dr. Russell Barkley: Groundbreaking research on Time Blindness (time perception) and the executive functioning costs of Task Completion.

• Dr. Alan Baddeley: Research on Working Memory, explaining the limits of our "mental whiteboard space".

• Dr. Kathleen Vohs: Research on Decision Fatigue and the energy cost of making daily choices.

Sensory Processing, Interoception, & Proprioception

The invisible barriers that drain daily energy reserves.

• Sander Van de Cruys: Shows how the brain treats uncertainty and "prediction errors" as high-priority, high-cost metabolic data points.

• Dr. Peter Vermeulen: Explains how the autistic brain cannot rely on context to filter noise, forcing a highly draining "Manual Gating" of every environmental input.

• Dr. Kelly Mahler: Explains why neurodivergent individuals may be metabolically "bankrupt" long before they actually "feel" internal signals like hunger or thirst (Interoception).

• Dr. Jean Ayres: Foundational work on Proprioception, our sense of where our body is in space.

• Dr. Lucy Jane Miller: Research on sensory seeking and dopamine foraging.

Social Battery, Masking, & Emotional Load

• Dr. Damian Milton: Highlights that social exhaustion is caused by the heavy metabolic tax of constantly translating communication between different neurotypes.

• Dr. William Dodson: Outlines how social performance is often fueled by the fear of physiological pain triggered by perceived rejection (RSD).

• Dr. Devon Price & Laura Hull: Research on the extreme metabolic costs of masking, camouflaging, and playing a part to appear "professional".

• Dr. Ilan Meyer: Research on Minority Stress and the constant energy tax of navigating a world not built for your neurotype.

• Dr. Ross Greene: Explores the "Skill Compensation Tax" and the energy spent faking skills that do not come naturally.

• Nemiah & Sifneos: Research on Alexithymia and the difficulty of identifying precise emotional states.

Neurological Shifting, Learning, & Joy

Tools and mindsets to manually shift the brain out of high-cost loops into restorative states.

• Dr. Luc Beaudoin: Focuses on intentionally disrupting circular "Worry Loops" (rumination) and the restorative power of accessing deep interests.

• Carol Dweck: Research on the Growth Mindset and confidence in learning new things.

• Dacher Keltner: Research on the profound psychological importance of experiencing a Sense of Awe and enchantment in daily life.