CREATED BY LEAH KUYPERS, M.A. ED, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
‘Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.’ – Charles R. Swindoll
Self-regulation is something we are continually working on whether we are aware of it or not. Throughout our day we encounter situations that may test us or stress us and we are able to recognise our bodies becoming less regulated and manage our feelings and behaviours to help us get back to a healthy place in a socially acceptable way. While this is a skill that develops naturally over time for many kids they need to be taught this skill.
The Zones of Regulation is a programme designed to teach self-regulation using a cognitive and sensory-base approach. The programme splits up the way we feel and states of alertness into different ‘zones.’ The zones help children recognise how their body feels, gives them the language to communicate it and strategies to help them self-regulate. These strategies to teach students to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts. This in turn enables children to participate in their daily activities with greater enjoyment and improved social interactions.
See link for an introduction by the creator – Leah Kuypers – https://youtu.be/4zHR3kYg1vI
The Zones of Regulation programme is implemented by experienced Occupational Therapists in a fun environment. Parents will be given tools and communication skills to support their children to becoming more independent in their emotional regulation. Occupational therapists are experts in child development who are experienced in providing interventions using a holistic approach to support your child’s, social and motor development
Zones of Regulation can help children with
- Social-emotional difficulties
- Sensory processing difficulties
- ADHD
- ASD
SuperFlex A superhero Social Thinking Curriculum
When we are interacting with others we are constantly thinking Social Thinking is what we do when interacting with others – thinking about how they are perceiving us. Are we standing too close? Talking too loud? Is what I am saying interesting to the other person? This comes naturally to most people but for those with social and communication difficulties it can be a struggle to become socially aware.
‘Superflex’ is a Social Thinking curriculum designed for kids with difficulties thinking about other people’s points of view, emotions and ideas. It uses superheros to teach ideas like ‘flexible thinking,’ being a good ‘social detective’ and understanding other peoples perspectives. The superhero characters are used as a fun engaging way to interest and motivate children to develop their own ‘superflex’ skills and become more socially aware.
The progamme is implemented by experienced Occupational Therapists at The Sunflower Clinic. Occupational therapists are experts in child development who are experienced in providing interventions using a holistic approach to support your childs, social and motor development Parents will be supported in home strategies in order for children to be supported in building stronger social skills.
