The Role of Occupational Therapy in Emotional Regulation for Children

Emotional regulation is a cornerstone of healthy child development. It allows children to manage their feelings, respond to challenges, form relationships, and engage effectively at home, school, and in the community. But for many children—particularly those with sensory processing differences, developmental delays, ADHD, or autism—emotional regulation can be a daily struggle.

Occupational Therapy (OT) offers evidence-informed, practical support for children who experience difficulty understanding, expressing, and managing their emotions. In this post, we’ll explore what emotional regulation is, why it matters, and how Occupational Therapists can help children build these essential skills through tailored, developmentally appropriate interventions.

What Is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation refers to a child’s ability to:

• Identify emotions in themselves and others

• Understand the causes and consequences of emotions

• Express feelings in socially appropriate ways

• Calm down after being upset

• Cope with frustration, disappointment, or change

• Make choices and solve problems even when emotionally charged

Emotional regulation is not just about “controlling emotions”—it's about building the tools to navigate them.

Why Do Some Children Struggle with Emotional Regulation?

Children may experience challenges with emotional regulation for a variety of reasons, including:

• Sensory processing difficulties – overwhelmed by too much or too little sensory input

• Neurodevelopmental conditions – such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and anxiety

• Trauma or attachment issues – including early adversity or inconsistent caregiving

• Delays in executive functioning – poor impulse control, working memory, or flexible thinking

• Environmental stressors – including transitions, overstimulation, or lack of structure

When children don’t have the tools to regulate, they may show behaviours like meltdowns, withdrawal, aggression, or “shutdowns.”

How Occupational Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation

Occupational Therapists take a holistic and child-centred approach to emotional regulation. We recognise that regulation is not learned in isolation—it’s built through safe relationships, sensory experiences, and skill development across time.

1. Assessment of Emotional and Sensory Needs

An OT begins with a thorough evaluation, often including:

• Sensory processing profile

• Executive functioning and attention

• Behavioural patterns and triggers

• Emotional language and expression

• Environmental factors at home and school

This assessment helps identify what is underlying the emotional dysregulation, not just the behaviours we see.

2. Sensory Regulation Strategies

For many children, emotional regulation begins with sensory regulation. If a child is overstimulated or under-responsive, their nervous system may be in fight, flight, or freeze mode.

OTs help children discover and use sensory tools such as:

• Movement breaks (vestibular input)

• Deep pressure activities (proprioception)

• Noise-cancelling headphones or quiet corners

• Fidget tools or weighted items

• Visual schedules and timers

These tools support self-regulation and prepare the brain for calm engagement.

3. Co-Regulation and Relationship-Based Approaches

Young children—and those with developmental delays—learn to regulate through co-regulation, where an adult helps them calm and understand their emotions.

OTs model and coach:

• Attuned, calm responses to distress

• Naming and validating emotions

• Deep breathing and body awareness strategies

• Connection before correction

Co-regulation creates safety, which is the foundation for learning self-regulation.

4. Developing Emotional Literacy and Awareness

OT sessions often include activities to help children:

• Name and recognise emotions using visuals (e.g., Zones of Regulation™, The Incredible 5-Point Scale)

• Identify what their body feels like when they’re angry, scared, excited, or calm

• Link feelings to triggers and body sensations

• Use emotional vocabulary through play, books, and games

Improved emotional literacy leads to greater self-understanding and expression.

5. Building Coping Skills and Calming Tools

OTs introduce practical, age-appropriate tools for managing emotions, including:

• Breathing techniques (e.g., balloon breathing, smell the flower/blow the candle)

• Safe places or calming kits

• Mindfulness and grounding activities

• Sensory calming sequences (e.g., animal walks, wall pushes)

• Problem-solving and choice-making scripts

Children are taught to practice these tools when they’re calm, so they’re ready to use them when dysregulated.

6. Environmental Adaptation

OTs also help adapt the child’s daily environments (home, school, therapy) to reduce triggers and support regulation. This might involve:

• Visual boundaries and expectations

• Structured routines with transition supports

• Reduced noise or lighting

• Seating options for movement needs

• Staff and parent education on co-regulation techniques

Small changes to the environment can make a big difference in how regulated a child feels.

Why Is OT-Based Emotional Regulation Support Important?

Occupational Therapy helps children develop foundational skills for lifelong wellbeing. Effective emotional regulation is associated with:

• Stronger social relationships

• Improved school participation and learning

• Better mental health outcomes

• Greater resilience and independence

For children with additional needs, early and targeted intervention from an OT can prevent long-term behavioural concerns and support optimal development.

How Youth OT Can Help

At Youth OT, we provide personalised, play-based interventions to support emotional regulation in children of all ages and abilities. Our therapists:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments

• Develop goal-focused, individualised plans

• Provide parent coaching and support

• Collaborate with teachers, psychologists, and other professionals

• Use evidence-informed programs like Zones of Regulation™, Alert Program®, and trauma-sensitive practices

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We believe that every child deserves the tools and support to feel safe, calm, and confident in their world.

Book an Assessment or Consultation

Concerned about your child’s emotional outbursts, anxiety, or difficulty calming down? Reach out to the team at Youth OT to see how Occupational Therapy can help.

📞 1300 704 734

🌐 www.youth-ot.health