Self-regulation means managing emotions and behaviours, while sensory needs involve how a child responds to things they see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. Many children with autism and intellectual disabilities struggle in these areas. They might get overwhelmed easily or have strong reactions to certain sensations. Understanding these challenges is key to helping children feel calm and comfortable. There are many strategies to support self-regulation and address sensory needs, like creating calm spaces or using special tools. Being a caring adult also involves the ability to co-regulate a child; that is helping the child manage their behaviour and emotions. Here are some resources that offer practical ways to help your child or student better manage their emotions and sensory experiences, which can lead to improved well-being.

Dealing with challenging behaviour in children with autism and intellectual disabilities can be tough. These behaviours might include tantrums, aggression, or self-harm. It's important to remember that these actions are often a way for children to communicate when they can't express themselves in other ways. Understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviour is the first step in managing it. There are strategies that can help reduce these behaviours and teach children better ways to express their needs. There are resources that can provide simple, practical tips for parents and educators to handle challenging behaviour positively. With patience, consistency, and the right approaches, it's possible to help children develop better coping skills and improve their overall behaviour.

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For other information and resources, please see:

Autism Ontario Webinar - Understanding Challenging Behaviour with Ross Greene 

Community Living Toronto Specialized Services 

Evidence-Based Practices for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Strategies for Handling Challenging Behaviours 

Surrey Place While You Wait Resource