Prior to achieving self-regulation, establishing a foundational comprehension of emotions is crucial. Your child needs not only to recognise emotions but also to grasp their visual and sensory aspects. For instance, what brings about happiness or anxiety in a person?
Initiating the identification process lays the groundwork for emotional self-awareness, simplifying the comprehension of how to handle excessive or inadequate stimulation within the surroundings.
If you're uncertain about how to commence teaching your child to recognise and comprehend their emotions, seek advice from your care team, your child's teacher, or their therapist for guidance.
Certain individuals with autism, ADHD, and SEMH tend to avoid sensory stimuli, opting to self-soothe by distancing themselves from sounds, smells, and similar stimuli. On the other hand, some individuals manage their emotions by actively seeking additional sensory input from their surroundings. This can manifest through actions such as creating loud noises, fidgeting, pacing, or rocking back and forth.
It's important to note that not every individual displays a consistent preference for either sensory seeking or sensory avoidance. Emotional regulation behaviours vary dynamically and are influenced by several factors, including the environment, past experiences, as well as their physical and emotional condition. Ultimately, these preferences are individual-specific.
When your child is dysregulated, here are steps you can take to help them:
1. Stay Calm and Supportive
Stay composed and offer reassurance. Your calm presence can help your child feel more secure during moments of dysregulation.
2. Create a Safe Space
Establish a designated safe area where your child can retreat and calm down. This can be a quiet corner with comfort items like pillows, blankets, or sensory toys.
3. Use Sensory Tools
Employ sensory items such as stress balls, fidget toys, or weighted blankets to assist in self-soothing and regulation of sensory input.
4. Implement Breathing Techniques
Practice deep breathing exercises together. Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths to help them regain control and calm down.
5. Offer Verbal Validation
Acknowledge your child's feelings and emotions without judgment. Let them know that it's okay to feel the way they do, and you're there to support them.
6. Establish Routine and Predictability
Maintain a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of predictability for your child. Predictability can often help reduce anxiety and minimize dysregulation.
7. Engage in Calming Activities
Encourage activities that promote relaxation and calmness, such as reading a book, drawing, or listening to calming music.
8. Redirect Attention
Shift your child's focus to a different activity or topic that can divert their attention and help them regulate their emotions.
9. Practice Mindfulness and Mindful Parenting
Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your child's routine to help them stay present and manage emotions effectively. Model mindful behaviour as a parent.
10. Seek Professional Guidance
If dysregulation is persistent or severe, consider consulting a mental health professional, therapist, or counsellor who specialises in working with children to develop appropriate coping strategies.
Research
Emotional Regulation Strategies for Children with Autism (Jahromi et al., 2012)
The Role of Sensory Tools in Managing ADHD Dysregulation (Barkley, 2010)
Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques for SEMH (Harris et al., 2016)
The Impact of Routine on Emotional Regulation in Children with ADHD (Faraone et al., 2005)
Sensory Strategies and Their Effectiveness in Autism (Baranek, 2002)
Conclusion
Supporting your child through moments of dysregulation involves patience, understanding, and a tailored approach that meets their unique needs. By staying calm, using sensory tools, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a consistent routine, you can help your child develop better emotional regulation skills. These strategies not only enhance their ability to manage stress and anxiety but also promote a more harmonious and balanced family life.
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