12 Regulation Strategies based on the Key Features of Autism
Occupational therapists are the go-to provider for sensory regulation. They often provide all kinds of strategies to better meet their clients sensory needs through trampolines, swings, compression shirts, fidget spinners, or chewelry. However, sometimes sensory based strategies aren't enough. That's when we need to take a deeper look at Autism and how this diagnosis impacts your child’s ability to remain regulated throughout their day to day life.
First let's look at what Autism is: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave
Key Features of Autism include
Differences in language development
Repetitive actions/thoughts and special interests
Sensory differences and preference for sameness
Knowing these key features of Autism, here are 12 Regulation Strategies you can use today: No sensory equipment required!
Differences in Language Development
1. Acknowledge echolalia as a valid form of communication
2. Acknowledge and respond to “polling”: polling is the use of repetitive questions where the purpose of the repetition is to establish a connect and assess the receptiveness of the listener
3. Respond to all forms of communication including non-verbal gestures and body language
Repetitive Actions/Thoughts and Special Interests
4. Engage in Repetitive play: counting, lining up toys, labeling colors, container play
5. Support their special interests and give time for info-dumping related to these interests
6. Provide consistent routines and notifying them ahead of time if there will be any changes
7. Provide toys, books, or shows related to special interests
8. Listen to familiar songs or watch familiar shows and movies
Sensory Differences and Preference for Sameness
9. Offer familiar and safe foods at mealtime
10. Allow for stimming: Stimming is self-stimulatory behavior that involves repetitive body movements or repetitive movement of objects. Stimming is incredibly regulating- no need to stop this behavior as long as it is not harming them or others.
11. Provide a consistent sleep routine: a tired child will have a much harder time self regulating
12. Co-regulate by modifying the environment to better meet their sensory needs
These strategies will help your autistic child better regulate through the use of co-regulation, repetition, special interests and play, and by better supporting their communication.
Reach out if you would like additional occupational therapy support to dive deeper into meeting your child’s sensory needs, providing mealtime or sleep support, finding safe stimming options, or developing a consistent routine.
