Patients & visitors

Thinking Beyond Sensory

Thinking 1

There can be many causes for dysregulation in children and young people, such as emotional dysregulation, lack of sleep, having an unmet need, needing time to build rapport & trust or lack of structure and routine.

Self regulation is extremely important for children and young people but sometimes the dysregulation may be more than just sensory and is often a combination of many things.

Things that are not sensory dysregulation:

Crying if told no
Pushing/hitting/biting when a toy is taken from them
Throwing toys or items when being asked to tidy up
Having a meltdown if they lose a game
Not wanting to leave a preferred activity

It is important to remember that children under the age of 5 are not yet equipped to handle intense emotions. Developing self regulation, like many other elements of development, is not something chidlren do by themselves. It is a process which grows from co-regulation, where adults and children work together. For more information about the development of self regulation click here. Every child is different and develop skills in their own time. Some children and young people will need ongoing help to self regulate.