How to Teach Emotional Regulation to Autistic Children

Helping autistic children manage their emotions can feel like a big task, but it’s one of the most important skills they can learn. Emotional regulation—understanding and responding to feelings healthily—can reduce meltdowns, build confidence, and make daily life smoother. Here are some practical, down-to-earth strategies to guide your child in navigating their emotions.  

Start by Naming Emotions

Kids need to know what they’re feeling before they can manage it. Use simple tools to help them identify emotions:

• Emotion Charts: Point to pictures of faces showing different feelings and ask, “Do you feel like this right now?”  
• Books and Stories: Read stories that talk about emotions and how characters handle them.  

Teach Calming Techniques

When emotions feel overwhelming, having tools to calm down can make all the difference. Try these:

• Deep Breathing: Practice “balloon breaths” together—inhale deeply, then exhale slowly like you’re blowing up a balloon.  
• Sensory Tools: Keep stress balls, weighted blankets, or noise-canceling headphones handy for moments when they need to feel grounded.  

Create a Safe Space 

Designate a calm-down corner with comforting items like soft pillows, favorite toys, or calming music. Let your child know it’s okay to use this space when they feel upset.  

Model Healthy Responses

Kids learn by watching. Show them how you handle your own emotions:

• “I’m feeling frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths to calm down.”  
• “When I’m sad, I like to talk to someone I trust about how I feel.”  

Be Patient and Celebrate Progress

Learning to regulate emotions takes time. To keep them motivated, celebrate small victories, like using a calming strategy or naming a feeling.  

By fostering emotional awareness, providing tools, and offering consistent support, you can empower your autistic child to navigate emotions with confidence.

For more information, download the One Autism Health app for FREE.