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Infographics

Upstairs Brain vs. Downstairs Brain

"Infographic by Greg Santucci, Occupational Therapist, titled 'Understanding the Brain: Will Help Understand the Behavior,' based on the concept from The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. The infographic features an illustration of a brain divided into two sections. The upper section is labeled 'Upstairs Brain' and is marked with a construction sign reading 'Under Construction Until Mid-20s.' Arrows point outward from the upstairs brain to four functions: Thinking, Reasoning, Problem-Solving, and Planning. The lower section is labeled 'Downstairs Brain,' with arrows pointing outward to three functions: Safety, Reactive, and Sensory Processing. Below the brain diagram, an explanatory paragraph states that when a child has big emotions or feels threatened, they are dysregulated and in their downstairs brain, and cannot access their upstairs brain where thinking and reasoning occur. A callout section on challenging behavior states: 'Use the Power of YOU! They need you to co-regulate, not escalate further. You can't reason with someone who can't access their upstairs brain. Listen. Validate. Help them feel safe. Meet them where they are: They're Downstairs.' The infographic includes cartoon illustrations of two children on a staircase, visually representing the upstairs and downstairs brain concept."

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Help parents, educators, and therapists understand how the brain affects behavior with this “Upstairs Brain vs. Downstairs Brain” Infographic! Based on concepts from The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, this printable resource explains the difference between the reactive “downstairs brain” and the reasoning “upstairs brain” and offers simple co-regulation strategies to support dysregulated children.

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By Greg Santucci

Help parents, educators, and therapists understand how the brain affects behavior with this "Upstairs Brain vs. Downstairs Brain" Infographic! Based on concepts from The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, this printable resource explains the difference between the reactive "downstairs brain" and the reasoning "upstairs brain" and offers simple co-regulation strategies to support dysregulated children.

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