Understanding dysregulation is so important.
We cannot support a child’s sensory needs if we don’t know their needs.
Making note of what is causing a child to be dysregulated is so important.
But dysregulation can look different for each kid.
So how can we tell if a child is dysregulated??
Here are 4 Ways to Spot Dysregulation:
Look at their body - What is their baseline level? Are they doing something different than usual? Just because a child is moving or fidgeting doesn’t mean a child is dysregulated. For some kids, moving around all day is their baseline. But if they are moving their body, or NOT moving their body in their usual way, that might point to signs of dysregulation.
Look at their emotions - if you are seeing big emotions, that can mean the child is dysregulated. When kids are focusing on their emotions, it can be hard to focus on anything else.
Look at their language - if they are not using any language or using less complex language, that could be a sign they are dysregulated. And if the child is a gestalt processor, you may see a child revert to using earlier stages of language development such as scripts or stage 1 gestalts when they are dysregulated.
Look at their engagement - when kids are dysregulated, it’s very hard for them to engage with us. So if you are struggling to get a client engaged, it could be that they are dysregulated.
Want to know how to help a dysregulated child??
Join me for my free upcoming Sensory Masterclass for SLPs!