When It’s All Too Much: Learn to Support Regulation in Your Child
Written By: Amy Wolcott M.S., CCC-SLP
As parents, most of us can remember a time when our child grew totally overwhelmed in a situation. Maybe it resulted in an emotional meltdown in public, or maybe they just completely shut down. Learning to recognize the signs of dysregulation and being prepared with strategies to promote regulation can help your child feel more comfortable in many different situations.
What Is Dysregulation?
Dysregulation is the inability to control emotions or behaviors, often resulting in extreme or seemingly disproportionate reactions to events or environmental factors. We spoke with TPP occupational therapist Emily McKinzie to learn more about the causes and signs of dysregulation in kids.
What Are the Root Causes of Dysregulation?
Emily explains that there are different types of dysregulation in kids. Dysregulation may be the result of:
- Emotional dysregulation: difficulty managing emotions, often resulting in intense emotional reactions
- Nervous system dysregulation: common in children with sensory processing challenges, such as autism and ADHD
- Trauma or stress-related dysregulation: can occur due to past trauma or basic needs that are not met, like food or sleep
- Dysregulation due to retention of primitive reflexes: results in the brainstem overriding higher cognitive functions
- Dysregulation due to sensory processing: may result in child becoming overstimulated by sensory input or feeling dysregulated due to lack of sensory input
How Do I Recognize Signs of Dysregulation?
Dysregulation does not look the same for everyone. Emily says signs to watch for include:
- Fatigue
- Moving slowly or seeming to have low energy
- Less responsive than usual
- Moving too fast
- Speaking loudly
- Being impulsive or appearing out of control
- Difficulty following directions
- Increased emotional outbursts
- Strong emotional responses
- Appearing fidgety
- Covering ears or eyes
- Breathing faster
- Running away
- Being forceful with objects
- Having a meltdown
How to Support Regulation
If a child is prone to dysregulation, there may be daily strategies you can use to help them maintain regulation throughout the day. Here’s what Emily suggests:
- Providing movement breaks throughout the day
- Having a space or time for calming down with minimal distractions
- Providing structure throughout the day or a routine to follow
- Offering choices
- Modeling and narrating strategies you use to keep yourself regulated throughout the day
If a child is already dysregulated, the following input might be helpful:
- Providing joint compressions or deep pressure squeezes
- Giving a big hug
- Providing time and space to calm down
- Modeling deep breathing
- Encourage grounding by pointing out things you notice with your five senses (things you can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch)
When Do You Need More Help?
If a child is frequently experiencing dysregulation, or it is affecting their daily activities and routines, they may benefit from an occupational therapy evaluation.
Are you a pediatric occupational therapist! Join our team!
“TPP provides a fun and supportive environment to help kids achieve their goals and increase their independence,” Emily said. “Therapists have so many opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and provide support and well-rounded care to each family.”
We are looking for occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants to join our team!
Learn more about employment opportunities here!
