Window of Tolerance

The window of tolerance describes the range of nervous system activation where a person can stay present, think with some clarity, and respond with flexibility. Within this window, arousal is well-matched to the moment, enough activation to engage with what’s happening, without tipping into overwhelm or collapse. When we are within our window of tolerance our body sensations and emotions are manageable, even when things are stressful.

When someone moves outside their window of tolerance, the nervous system shifts into survival states. This may show up as hyperarousal (anxiety, panic, irritability, racing thoughts) or hypoarousal (numbness, shutdown, dissociation, or collapse).

For many neurodivergent people, the neurodivergent nervous system is often more sensitive to sensory input, social demands, fatigue, and cumulative stress, which can narrow the window of tolerance. Our window of tolerance can expand through supporting nervous system health and resilience, increasing safety and predictability, strengthening regulation, processing past trauma and attachment wounds, and tending to the basic building blocks of nervous system health, like sleep, movement, and nutrition.