May 13, 2025
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or sensory processing disorders often experience hyperactivity, emotional overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation. These challenges can manifest in a variety of ways, such as tantrums, impulsive behaviors, emotional outbursts, or difficulty focusing.
Calming techniques are essential tools that can help children manage these intense emotions and behaviors. These techniques not only help children self-regulate but also improve their overall emotional well-being and enhance their ability to engage in daily activities, learning, and social interactions.
At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we integrate calming techniques into our therapy programs to help children cope with overwhelming emotions and build better self-regulation skills. In this blog, we will explore the importance of calming techniques in managing hyperactivity, overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation in children, and how these techniques can support long-term emotional growth and success.
What is Emotional Dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation refers to the inability to manage or control emotional responses in an appropriate way. Children with emotional dysregulation may experience intense emotional reactions, such as anger, frustration, or sadness, and struggle to return to a calm state. These emotional responses can often be out of proportion to the situation and can interfere with a child’s ability to function in everyday situations.
Children with hyperactivity and overwhelm may have difficulty processing sensory stimuli, regulating emotional responses, or adjusting to changes in routine or environment. This can lead to outbursts, meltdowns, or impulsive behaviors. However, by incorporating calming techniques, children can learn to self-soothe, manage their emotions, and engage more positively with their environment.
How Calming Techniques Help with Hyperactivity, Overwhelm, and Emotional Dysregulation
Calming techniques are interventions or strategies that help children reduce anxiety, hyperactivity, and emotional outbursts. These techniques aim to teach children how to manage their emotional states, reduce the intensity of hyperactivity, and regain control over their responses to overwhelming situations.
Deep breathing is one of the most effective and widely used calming techniques. By slowing the breath and focusing on inhaling and exhaling deeply, children can activate the body’s relaxation response, which helps to reduce anxiety and regulate emotions.
Research Insight:
According to Chiesa (2009), “Breathing techniques help reduce physiological arousal in children, allowing them to regulate their emotions more effectively.” Deep breathing exercises can also lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a state of calm.
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, we teach children deep breathing exercises using techniques like belly breathing (slow, deep breaths through the diaphragm) or 4-7-8 breathing (inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds). These exercises can be practiced when children begin to feel overwhelmed or hyperactive and serve as a tool they can use in daily life to reduce emotional intensity.
Additionally, we teach progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), where children progressively tense and then relax different muscle groups to promote full-body relaxation. This technique helps children release physical tension associated with stress and improve their self-regulation.
Children with sensory processing issues often feel overwhelmed by too much stimulation, such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowds. Sensory regulation techniques help children process sensory input in a way that is calming and not overwhelming.
Research Insight:
According to Miller et al. (2007), “Children with sensory processing issues often struggle with emotional regulation. Using sensory strategies like weighted blankets, sensory toys, and calming environments can help children self-regulate and reduce emotional overwhelm.”
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, we provide sensory breaks and use sensory-based tools to help children calm down and regain focus. Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to help children with sensory sensitivities and hyperactivity by promoting a sense of security and relaxation. Fidget toys or sensory bins are also used to help children focus their attention and calm their bodies in times of stress.
We also work on creating sensory-friendly environments by reducing visual clutter, lowering noise levels, and offering opportunities for children to engage in calming sensory activities like slow swinging, gentle rocking, or playdough manipulation.
Mindfulness helps children focus on the present moment and become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, children can learn to observe their emotional state, reduce anxiety, and manage hyperactivity.
Research Insight:
Zylowska et al. (2008) state, “Mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD improve attention, emotional regulation, and impulsivity by teaching children how to remain present and calm in the moment.”
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, we introduce mindfulness exercises to children to help them become more aware of their emotional and physical state. These activities include guided visualizations, where children imagine a calm, peaceful scene, or mindful listening exercises, where children focus on sounds around them, such as the wind or music. We also practice body scans, where children focus on relaxing each part of their body, starting from their toes and working up to their head.
These techniques help children become more in tune with their emotions, leading to better control over their reactions and a greater sense of calm during stressful moments.
The environment in which children are placed plays a significant role in how they respond to sensory and emotional stimuli. Overwhelming or chaotic environments can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and hyperactivity.
Research Insight:
According to Hammond (2005), “Environmental modifications that reduce overstimulation can significantly improve the emotional regulation and behavioral responses of children with ADHD and ASD.”
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, we focus on creating environments that are conducive to calm and focus. This might involve using soft lighting, calming colors, or quiet sensory spaces where children can retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed. We also incorporate visual schedules to help children understand what is coming next, which can reduce anxiety and help them feel more in control.
We also collaborate with families to make similar adjustments at home and in school, such as creating calm-down corners with soft cushions, weighted items, and sensory toys, where children can go when they start to feel dysregulated.
Behavioral techniques, such as positive reinforcement, are essential in helping children regulate their emotions. By rewarding calm behavior and emotional regulation, children learn to associate self-control with positive outcomes.
Research Insight:
According to Lovaas (1987), “Using positive reinforcement techniques can help children with ASD and ADHD develop better emotional regulation and self-control by reinforcing appropriate behaviors.”
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, we use behavioral strategies to help children learn how to calm themselves when faced with challenging situations. This may include token systems, where children receive rewards for practicing calming techniques like deep breathing or taking a sensory break. We focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and providing praise when children successfully manage their emotions or calm themselves down.
By consistently reinforcing these behaviors, children develop a sense of mastery over their emotional regulation and become more adept at using calming techniques independently.
Social skills are essential for building relationships and thriving in school and social settings. Occupational therapy (OT) supports children in developing social skills by providing structured opportunities for practice and enhancing their ability to engage with peers. Research Insight: According to Gresham (2007), “Group-based occupational therapy can significantly improve social skills, including taking turns, sharing, […]
The transition from home to school can be challenging for children with developmental delays or disabilities. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in preparing children for the school environment by helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed in the classroom. Research Insight: Research by Koh et al. (2008) found that “children who receive […]
Assistive technology (AT) plays a significant role in supporting children with developmental challenges by providing them with tools to perform daily activities independently. Occupational therapy (OT) integrates AT to enhance children’s functional abilities. Research Insight: According to King et al. (2003), “Assistive technology can significantly improve children’s functional performance and participation in daily activities, allowing […]
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with attention, focus, and task completion. Occupational therapy can provide children with the tools and strategies they need to improve attention and develop organizational skills. Research Insight: A study by Green et al. (2006) demonstrated that “children with ADHD who participated in occupational therapy showed significant […]
Parent involvement is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of occupational therapy. Parents play a key role in reinforcing therapy goals at home, and when they actively participate in their child’s treatment, children achieve better outcomes. Research Insight: A study conducted by Baker-Ericzen et al. (2005) found that “parents who were actively involved in their child’s […]
Self-care skills are an essential milestone in every child’s development. For children with developmental delays, acquiring self-care skills like dressing, eating, and brushing teeth can be a significant challenge. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children develop these skills, which are key to fostering independence. Research Insight: Research from Baker-Ericzen et al. […]
Fine motor skills are vital for performing tasks like writing, eating, and dressing. For many children with developmental delays or disorders, such as ADHD or Down syndrome, these skills can be difficult to develop. Occupational therapy provides targeted interventions that help children improve their fine motor abilities. Research Insight: According to the American Occupational Therapy […]
Sensory processing difficulties can affect children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental disabilities, making it hard for them to process and respond to sensory information in their environment. Sensory Integration Therapy is an effective treatment approach that helps children regulate their sensory experiences. Research Insight: As Jean Ayres, a pioneer in sensory […]
At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we believe that every child has the potential to lead a fulfilling, independent life, no matter their neurodevelopmental challenges. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and cerebral palsy improve their ability to function independently […]
In today’s digital age, gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and video games have become integral parts of children’s lives. With the internet providing endless learning resources, digital devices can serve as powerful tools for communication, learning, and development. For children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and sensory processing issues, these devices […]
Diagnostic intervention aims to treat the underlying causes of a child’s challenges, while symptomatic intervention addresses the immediate symptoms. Both approaches have their place in therapy, but the most effective treatment plans often incorporate both. Research Insight: As Miller (2011) explains, “While symptomatic interventions are important for managing behaviors, diagnostic interventions that address underlying causes […]
Focusing on age-appropriate skills in therapy is essential for helping children develop the necessary abilities to interact with their peers and succeed in academic, social, and daily life environments. Research Insight: As Gresham (2007) points out, “Focusing on age-appropriate skills promotes the child’s self-esteem and encourages social acceptance by their peers, leading to better social […]
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have difficulty with working memory. Research suggests that working memory impairments are common in children with ASD, particularly in tasks that require verbal and non-verbal memory (e.g., recalling spoken or written instructions or remembering the sequence of actions in a task). These difficulties can significantly impact their daily […]
When providing therapy for children, it is important to consider both their developmental age (the stage at which they function in cognitive, emotional, and motor skills) and their social age (the age at which they can engage socially with peers). These two factors can be different, especially in children with developmental delays, and impact how […]
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with studies suggesting that up to 70% of children with autism experience GI symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These issues can exacerbate behavioral problems, interfere with therapy, and impact overall quality of life. Research Insight: According to Miller et al. (2009), […]
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to experience epilepsy, with studies suggesting that 20-30% of children with autism also have a history of seizures. The interaction between autism and epilepsy can exacerbate the child’s challenges, particularly in areas such as behavior, communication, and cognitive functioning. Research Insight: Tuchman and Cuccaro (2011) emphasize […]
Optokinetic training focuses on improving visual-motor integration, a critical skill for children to track moving objects, maintain focus, and engage in tasks that require eye-hand coordination. This type of training is particularly beneficial for children with developmental coordination disorder or ASD, who may struggle with visual processing or eye movement control. Research Insight: According to […]
At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we believe that therapy should not just be about structured sessions but should be integrated into a child’s natural environment. Context-Based Intervention and Parent Education are central to this approach, enabling children to thrive both within therapy and in their everyday lives. These principles emphasize the importance of […]
Muscle tone, proprioception, and the vestibular system are all interconnected and play a vital role in a child’s overall sensory processing and motor development. When one or more of these systems is underdeveloped or misaligned, it can significantly impact the child’s ability to engage with their environment, perform motor tasks, and engage socially. For children […]
Perceptual-motor training is a therapeutic approach aimed at improving a child’s ability to integrate sensory input with motor output. This type of training is especially beneficial for children with developmental challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and cerebral palsy, who often face difficulties in motor coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. Research Insight: According […]
The vestibular system—the part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation—plays a critical role in maintaining physical equilibrium and coordination. For children with developmental disorders like ASD, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, the vestibular system may not function optimally, leading to difficulties with balance, coordination, and movement. Research Insight: As Ayres (2005) […]
