The Cognitive Approach for Self-Regulation

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The following is an excerpt from my book From Flapping to Function: A Parent's Guide to Autism and Hand Skills.

The Alert Program, created by occupational therapists Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger, teaches children to use an engine as a metaphor for the brain.  Children choose activities that help their "engines" to run not too high, not too low, but just right. For example, if their "engine" is running too high, they may learn to lower it by choosing an activity such as rocking on a glider chair. Children who identify their engine as running "low may choose to do jumping jacks to become more alert.

The ALERT Program uses both sensory and cognitive-based strategies. Children don't need to understand the term "self-regulation," but they must have a self-awareness of how they feel and understand metaphors for how the brain is running (that is, fast or slow, high or low). The Alert Program was initially intended for children between ages 8 and 12 , although it can be adapted for children who are chronologically or developmentally younger.

A visual scale like the one shown above can help children to identify their current alertness level. Just draw a simple scale on paper or an erasable surface such as a whiteboard. They can write their names or attach their printed names or photographs using Velcro or sticky notes, at the point on the scale that corresponds with their alertness level. The goal is to move their names closer to the "Just Right" marking in the center by using activities that raise or lower their state of alertness. You can also illustrate this concept  with a graphic such as a speedometer or a chart with slow and fast animals, ranging from a snail to a cheetah.

Please visit the following posts for sensory strategies designed to enable children to fine tune their engines... 

Proprioceptive sensory input: https://2019.recyclingot.com/proprioception-resistive-fine-motor-activities/#.ZAytwHbMJD8

This is how I calm my adult engine....

https://2019.recyclingot.com/outdoor-exercise-equipment-for-adults/#.ZAyuRHbMJD8

Individuals who demonstrate self-injurious behaviors typically need to have their engines lowered... 

https://2019.recyclingot.com/what-are-self-injurious-behaviors/#.ZAyuwnbMJD8 

Strategies that provide force, resistance, proprioceptive sensory input often address engines while promoting motor planning skills...

https://2019.recyclingot.com/dyspraxia/#.ZAyvRHbMJD8

This post discusses the sensory modulation disorders that impact engines and how to help clients self-regulate.

https://2019.recyclingot.com/what-are-sensory-modulation-disorders/#.ZAyv63bMJD8

Alert activities help children attain the  muscle tone, postural control and energy levels needed to perform their best....

https://2019.recyclingot.com/what-is-hypotonia/#.ZAywZXbMJD8

Deep pressure strategies that promote a functional engine...

https://2019.recyclingot.com/deep-pressure-brushing-and-sensory-processing-disorders/#.ZAyw3nbMJD8

Seating adaptations impact engine levels and function...

https://2019.recyclingot.com/seating-adaptations-for-sensory-processing-disorders/#.ZAyxWHbMJD8

Hippotherapy promotes just the right engine in order to control the reins, perform motor tasks, balance, communicate and more!

https://2019.recyclingot.com/how-hippotherapy-promotes-hand-skills/#.ZAyxrXbMJD8

 

 

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