Touch
Weighted lap pad, soft fabric, stress ball, warm or cool packs.
Regulation
Sensory modulation
Sensory modulation means using our senses to change how we feel, calming down when overwhelmed or anxious, or waking up when flat.
Sensory strategies to manage anxiety
This approach follows sensory modulation and anxiety workbooks such as Karen Moore's. They help people learn their own sensory preferences and build a personal toolkit. Ask us about using a workbook in sessions.
Movement
Rocking chair, walking, swinging, wall push-ups.
Sound
Calming music, nature sounds, noise-reducing headphones.
Smell & taste
Familiar scents, mints, sucking through a straw, crunchy foods.
Sight
Dim lighting, lava lamps, looking at nature, less visual clutter.
Breath & body
Slow breathing, hand on chest, noticing feet on the floor.
Sensory modulation for children
Know their 'engine'
Help children notice if their body feels too slow, just right or too fast.
Build a sensory menu
Offer a short list of choices that calm or alert, and record what works in the journal.
Practise when calm
Teach strategies in the green zone so they are easier to use when feelings are big.
Zones of Regulation: what parents need to know
The Zones of Regulation framework (Leah Kuypers) uses four colours to help children name how they feel and choose a tool. All zones are okay. The aim is to notice your zone and know what helps.
Blue zone
Feels like: Low energy: sad, tired, sick, bored.
Sensory tools: Alerting input: movement, cold water, crunchy snack, upbeat music.
Green zone
Feels like: Calm, focused, ready to learn.
Sensory tools: Keep doing what is working; notice and praise it.
Yellow zone
Feels like: Heightened: worried, silly, frustrated, wiggly.
Sensory tools: Heavy work, deep breaths, fidget, short movement break.
Red zone
Feels like: Very big feelings: angry, terrified, out of control.
Sensory tools: Safety first, fewer words, quiet space, deep pressure once accepted.
Tips for parents
Name your own zone out loud, stay calm and brief in the red zone, talk it through afterwards, and keep the same language as school.
Not sure where to start?
Request a time and we will talk through what you are noticing.
Book an assessment