What is Emotional Regulation?
The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy and productive way
When an individual is emotionally dysregulated they may experience anxiety, melt-downs, aggression or withdrawal
Why Might My Child or Student Become Dysregulated?
Unmet Basic Needs
Unmet needs such as hunger, thirst and sleep can significantly impact an individual’s ability to stay calm and focused
Sensory Overload
Loud noises, bright light, and crowded spaces are some examples of things that can overwhelm individuals, particularly those with sensory processing issues
Unpredictable Routines
Changes in schedules or unexpected events can create anxiety and disrupt an individual’s sense of security
10 Strategies for Promoting Emotional Regulation
1. Create a Safe and Predictable Environment
Provide a structured environment that is uncluttered and free from overstimulation
2. Establish Clear Routines and Expectations
Rules and expectations should be visually displayed and reviewed daily
3. Establish Predictable Routines
Consistent routines provide a sense of security and predictability which can help reduce anxiety and emotional outbursts
Use visual schedules that feature both words and symbols to outline the day’s activities
4. Practice Co-regulation
Model calm behavior
Use gentle touch
Empathetic listening
Guide deep breathing together
5. Teach Emotional Literacy
Help your student or child to recognize and label their emotions using tools and activities like emotion charts, emotions bingo or social stories
6. Model appropriate emotional
responses and coping mechanisms
7. Incorporate sensory tools such as 11fidgets, weighted vests and noise- 11canceling headphones to help 11individuals self-regulate
8. Develop Coping Strategies
Breathing exercises
Calm-down corners
create a designated calm-down area equipped with calming activities where your student or child can go to de-escalate
Designated safe space
Provide your student or child the option to choose a safe space can help them manage their emotions more successfully
9. Implement Positive Reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate emotional responses
Praise specific behaviors and offer small rewards when your student or child uses coping strategies successfully
10. Incorporate Choice and Control
Allow your student or child to have some input into their tasks and activities
Offer choices to help individuals feel a sense of control over their environment