Self-Regulation Interventions and Strategies: Keeping the Body, Mind and Emotions on Task in Children with Autism, ADHD or Sensory Disorders

Keeping children's bodies, minds and emotions on task just got easier with this book from self-regulation expert Teresa Garland. Self-Regulation Interventions and Strategies features more than 200 practical and proven interventions, strategies and adaptations for helping children gain more control over their lives. Each chapter provides rich background and theoretical material to help the reader better understand the issues our children face. Topics include:

• Basic and advanced methods to calm a child and to preventing outbursts and meltdowns
• Interventions to help with attention problems, impulse control, distractibility and the ability to sit still
• Stories and video-modeling for autism, along with techniques to quell repetitive behaviours
• Sensory strategies for sensitivity and craving
• Behavioural and sensory approaches to picky eating
• Ways to increase organisation skills using technology and apps
• Strategies for managing strong emotions as well as techniques for releasing them

Table of Contents

About the Author vii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 1

1. Self-regulation and ASD 1
2. Standard interventions for ASD 6
• Visual schedules 6
• Simple and complex stories 12
• Video modeling 14
• Transitions and engagement 17
• Working with behaviors (with four case studies) 19

Chapter 2 Staying Calm and Alert 26

1. Polyvagal theory and the nervous system 26

2. Calming and alerting techniques 30

• The basics 31
• Heavy work and play 33
• Breathing techniques 35
• Stretching and yoga 37
• Aromatherapy and calming 39
• Getting centered 40

Chapter 3 Sensory Modulation 45

1. The senses 45

2. Strategies and adaptations 52

• Hearing 52
• Vision 61
• Touch 65
• Oral motor sensation 74
• Internal sensation, pain, temperature and itch 75
• Movement (body and head sensation and movement) 77

Chapter 4 Eating, Sleeping, Bowel and Bladder 96

1. Picky Eating 96
• Causes of picky eating 96
• Sensory strategies 97
• Mealtime strategies 100
• Behavioral strategies 103
• The impact of food sensitivities 106
2. Sleep habits 107
3. Bowel and bladder control 111

Chapter 5 Emotions and Emotional Regulation 113

1. Foundations of emotions 113
2. Emotional challenges 118
3. Interventions 120
• Get emotionally grounded 120
• Working with intense emotions 123
• Art and music 125
4. Autism and emotion 129

Chapter 6 Executive Function and ADHD 130

1. Executive function 130
2. ADHD 136
3. Interventions 139
• Strategies for structure and organization 139
• Handling complexity 145
• Working with impulsivity and hyperactivity 146
• Attention, stress reduction and mindfulness 150
• Timing therapy 153
• Managing behaviors 156
• Self-management 158
• Case study 161

Chapter 7 The Self-Regulated Child 164

• Worksheets 169
• Sensory observations throughout the day 170
• Sensory strategies 171
• Sensory adaptations 172
• Therapy schedule 173
• Heavy work/play/exercise schedule 174

Bibliography 176

Resources 186

Index 189