Support for children & young people with difficulties with Emotional Regulation

An open chest with colours coming out and a symbol on the front.

If your child  is able to communicate their needs when regulated, and the main area of support you are seeking is for your child’s emotional regulation, please note speech and language therapy are not the main supporting service in this area . Here are some resources you may find helpful, as well as information about other relevant services who may be better placed to support your child.

Who is this advice for?

These resources are to support children who experience difficulty regulating their emotions.  

How will this advice support my child? 

(setting staff can use this wording to write targets)  
These resources may support your child to understand and find out ways to support: their emotions; energy levels; sensory needs; and dysregulation. 

 

Advice

Understand emotions and autism

Browse the MindMate's webpage explaining emotions and neurodivergence to:

  • understand emotions in autism
  • understand Alexithymia (difficulty identifying, understanding and describing feelings)
  • access support strategies and approaches.

Watch this 9 minute video about understanding emotions in autism.  

 

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This video by Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust uses an iceberg to show behaviours people see ( tip of the iceberg ), compared to what may be really happening (under the surface).   

 

Support identifying emotions using energy accounting

Browse the Autism Level Up resources

Find resources to support in identifying emotions and using the concept of energy levels, including: 

Browse these Energy accounting resources 
These resources help your child identify activities that deplete their energy, and activities that re-charge their battery: 

Spoon Theory & Autism | EdPsychEd

Energy Accounting for Autism | Practical Resource for Kids  

Understand and manage dysregulation due to sensory differences

Training:  

Sensory Processing Service: Sensory processing training webinar for parents and settings.

Webinar for parents: Watching this webinar is the first step into accessing the sensory processing service.

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Webinar for settings:

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Information sheets: 

Read the Interoception In ADHD And Autism  handout.

Read the Managing sensory sensitivities and regulation techniques handout.

 

Further support

Speech, Language, Communication and Autism Team (SLCA).  

The trainings and webinars offer emotional regulation strategies throughout. Staff can request training at a targeted level for these areas with no referral  required . Specialist support also available via referral.  Go to “How to request support”.  

Toolbox Live Chat:  Chat to one of the team about how you are feeling, and what you might be struggling with.  

Cogs App: Built by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people, this app helps to avoid burnout and develop positive wellbeing habits; identify your personal burnout signs; understand your energy levels and develop good wellbeing habits 

Register for free access via The Toolbox website.

 ADD-vance webinars:

Understanding anxiety: 50 minute watch

Managing everyday transitions: 46 minute watch

SPACE webinars: 

The language of anger: A 22 minute watch exploring anger, conflicts & resolutions   

Neurodiversity & Mental Health: A 38 minute watch

Hertfordshire Children & Young People’s Mental Health Service Directory 

CYPMHS Service Directory: Find quick links, contact details and descriptions of a range of local mental health services.  

How can we help you?

  1. Work with us
  2. Our services
  3. Children's services
  4. Adult services
  5. Make a referral