Regulation is the foundation of successful teaching. When we shift our thinking from “How do I stop this behavior?” to “How can I support regulation and teach the skills this learner needs?”, we create more meaningful and lasting change.
Over the last 17 years working with neurodivergent children, I’ve used a variety of strategies and tools to support regulation. Below are some of my go-to approaches that can be easily incorporated into your sessions, classroom, or home.
1. Movement
Many of my learners are very active, so I make sure to include movement activities at the start of all of my sessions. They are usually in the form of their favorite games, sports, or activities. Here is a list of my go to movement activities:
- Jumping on the trampoline
- Ball play (kicking, throwing, bowling)
- Gross motor games (hide & seek, tag, obstacle courses, chase)
- Brain Breaks on YouTube
- You can search specific terms like "Mario Cart Brain Breaks" to find engaging movement videos that include your learner's interests
- Dance party / Karaoke
- Spinning in a rolling chair
- Swings
- Mini trampoline
- Running and Jumping on crash pads or large bean bags
2. Deep Pressure / Body Awareness
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Body Sock
I love body socks! They not only function as a great sensory tool, but they are also fun to play in! I had a kiddo who had 2 of these, one that fit him and one that fit me. He LOVED when I would chase him around while we were in these!
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- Provides deep pressure input
- Fun the play in
- Multi-purpose use - can be used with different activities / sensory breaks
- Calming experience, almost feels like a hug
- Great for body awareness
- Very easy to take off / on
- Compact enough for easy storage and transportation
- Very soft material
- Weighted Blanket or Lap pad
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- Provides deep pressure input
- Supports focus and attention
- Portable options, great for classrooms, clinics, during travel
- Versatile use (great for seated work or during breaks)
- Perfect for kiddos who seek extra proprioceptive input
3. Oral Sensory Strategies
Some of my learners have engaged in oral sensory seeking behaviors that include chewing nonfood items such as furniture, biting their own fingers, etc. Here are a few replacement strategies that have worked as replacements, while still giving them the sensory input they are seeking.
Disclaimer
I recommend consulting with a doctor to first rule out medical causes and I recommend consulting with an occupational therapist for personalized support.
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Crunchy/ Chewy Food
- Beef jerky
- Dried fruit (i.e. dried mango)
- Pretzels
- Carrots
- Granola Bars
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Chew toy/ wearable chewy
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Great alternative for kiddos who tend to chew on clothing, pencils, or other objects. These are designed to provide oral sensory input. Use with caution to ensure that the chewy is durable enough for your kiddo.
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Drinking through a straw
- Drinking through a straw requires more oral motor effort, which can be regulating
- Great for quick, easy regulation during transitions
- Blowing activities (using a straw to blow cotton balls, blow bubbles, pinwheels)
- Chewing gum
4. Tactile Sensory Strategies
Some learners regulate best through hands-on play! Here are a few of my favorite tactile sensory activities for kids.
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Sensory Bins (rice, beans, pasta)
- You can create these at home with very simple materials!
- You can hide objects in the bins to create a "search & find" activity
- Include different tools such as grabbers, tongs, scoops for added fine motor development. Here is a great set of tools I found!
- Kinetic Sand
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- My kiddos love kinetic sand for it's moldable texture and fun sensory experience. I also love it for how (relatively) easy it is to clean.
- Therapy putty
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- This putty comes in different resistant levels. Perfect to customize the resistance to their needs. I've had horrible experiences with putty in the past, but I can confirm these aren't sticky and don't create huge messes!
- NeeDoh Fidget Toy
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- This NeeDoh fidget toy is very satisfying and fun to stretch with your hands!
- Easy to transport
- Great for classrooms
- Can help keep hands busy while focusing on other tasks
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