EXAMINE

It can be difficult to describe self-control and regulation without describing what a lack of these skills look like.  Children with difficulties regulating emotions and responding appropriately to stimuli might display the following behaviors:
  • Are under-reactive to certain sensations (being touched, name being called, high pain threshold) or over-reactive to the sensations (sound, touch, or movement)
  • Appear to be in their “own world”
  • Have tantrums that are more volatile than typical for their age
  • Does not respond to the same positive behavioral strategies that work for peers
  • Loves movement and seeks out physical sensations like running, jumping, spinning
  • Has difficulty engaging with peers and sustaining friendships
  • Is easily distracted, shows poor attention or concentration
  • Is easily distressed by everyday tasks (hair-brushing, hair-washing, nail cutting, self-feeding)

Take a look at the chart below.  Listen to our content expert talk through these key points to developing self-regulation.

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