Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
If nervous system regulation advice has ever felt confusing, inaccessible, or like it just doesn’t work for your body… this conversation is for you.
Today I’m joined by Dr. Anne Collins Duch — a doctor of physical therapy, pelvic health specialist, educator, and someone whose approach to regulation immediately stood out to me when I attended one of her workshops at an endometriosis conference.
A lot of nervous system advice online assumes safety in the body already exists. But for many autistic people — especially those with trauma histories, chronic illness, sensory sensitivities, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, endometriosis, or complex medical experiences — regulation can feel much more complicated than simply “taking deep breaths” or “calming down.”
In this conversation, we explore:
• What nervous system regulation actually means
• Why autistic nervous systems may respond differently to common regulation strategies
• The role of safety in the body
• How trauma and medical experiences impact regulation
• EDS, POTS, endometriosis, menopause, pelvic health, and chronic stress
• Movement, breathing, vagus nerve support, and gentle nervous system exercises
• Why regulation isn’t about becoming perfectly calm all the time
One thing I especially appreciate about Dr. Anne’s approach is that she never pushes people to override their body’s signals. She talks openly about how even things like closing your eyes or holding your breath can feel unsafe for some people — and how to work with your nervous system instead of against it.
We also do a few simple practical exercises together at the end of the episode that you can follow along with at home if you’d like.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated because your body doesn’t respond the way people say it “should,” I hope this conversation helps you feel more understood — and gives you some gentler, more supportive ways to approach regulation.
⸻
Connect with Dr. Anne Collins Duch:
🌿 Website: AnneDuch.com
🌿 Instagram: @ptforwomen
🌿 Course: “What Happens in Vagus Doesn’t Have to Stay in Vagus” anneduch.com/courses
Dr. Anne’s work includes:
• Nervous system regulation education
• Pelvic health physical therapy
• Vagus nerve and breathing courses
• Support for complex medical conditions including EDS, endometriosis, menopause, and chronic pelvic pain
• Free downloadable guides and educational resources
👉 You can find more Mom on the Spectrum resources here: https://www.momonthespectrum.life/
This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your healthcare, medications, or treatment plan.
If nervous system regulation advice has ever felt confusing, inaccessible, or like it just doesn’t work for your body… this conversation is for you.
Today I’m joined by Dr. Anne Collins Duch — a doctor of physical therapy, pelvic health specialist, educator, and someone whose approach to regulation immediately stood out to me when I attended one of her workshops at an endometriosis conference.
A lot of nervous system advice online assumes safety in the body already exists. But for many autistic people — especially those with trauma histories, chronic illness, sensory sensitivities, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, endometriosis, or complex medical experiences — regulation can feel much more complicated than simply “taking deep breaths” or “calming down.”
In this conversation, we explore:
• What nervous system regulation actually means
• Why autistic nervous systems may respond differently to common regulation strategies
• The role of safety in the body
• How trauma and medical experiences impact regulation
• EDS, POTS, endometriosis, menopause, pelvic health, and chronic stress
• Movement, breathing, vagus nerve support, and gentle nervous system exercises
• Why regulation isn’t about becoming perfectly calm all the time
One thing I especially appreciate about Dr. Anne’s approach is that she never pushes people to override their body’s signals. She talks openly about how even things like closing your eyes or holding your breath can feel unsafe for some people — and how to work with your nervous system instead of against it.
We also do a few simple practical exercises together at the end of the episode that you can follow along with at home if you’d like.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated because your body doesn’t respond the way people say it “should,” I hope this conversation helps you feel more understood — and gives you some gentler, more supportive ways to approach regulation.
⸻
Connect with Dr. Anne Collins Duch:
🌿 Website: AnneDuch.com
🌿 Instagram: @ptforwomen
🌿 Course: “What Happens in Vagus Doesn’t Have to Stay in Vagus” anneduch.com/courses
Dr. Anne’s work includes:
• Nervous system regulation education
• Pelvic health physical therapy
• Vagus nerve and breathing courses
• Support for complex medical conditions including EDS, endometriosis, menopause, and chronic pelvic pain
• Free downloadable guides and educational resources
👉 You can find more Mom on the Spectrum resources here: https://www.momonthespectrum.life/
This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your healthcare, medications, or treatment plan.
