10/10/2026
Did you know what changed?
If you thought it was Maria’s demeanour when approaching Sarah, then you are correct!
Notice how Sarah was more willing to engage in regulation strategies, like using her favourite squishy, when Maria approached her in a calm, reassuring approach? This example is a key component of co-regulation!😌
Co-regulation is allowing a child (or another person) to borrow part of your nervous system to help regulate their own. Kids feel what you feel, and sometimes those feelings can amplify. So if you’re approaching your already distraught child in a high-pressure, inquisitive, and frustrated manor, they are going to feed right off that.
That’s why when we talk to parents about supporting meltdowns, shutdowns, or moments of disregulation, we suggest this approach:
🔹Using a calm, gentle voice
◽Getting down to or below their eye level
🔹Reducing questions and demands, providing “this or that” options
◽Using sensory supports when available
Being able to access this approach also takes awareness, that moment to recognize your own feelings, regulate yourself, then step in to help. This is something we touch on in our upcoming online course, ✨The Autism Mini Education Series✨
We cover topics ranging from OT scope of practice, coregulation, neuro affirming and accepting approach, and coping strategies to help support your neurodivergent loved ones
Interested? Comment “courses” and we’ll send you the link and a FREE visual schedule digital download!
