Clothes that Calm - Emotional Regulation Clothing

Emotional Regulation Clothing is a great way to help all kids, but specificallly those with autism, ADHD, ODD, and with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

Being a kid can be hard. We take mental health seriously and want to do what we can to help kids navigate their journey. This "relax" star design on the clothes is a reminder for kids to breathe, count, and hopefully calm. 

Start by having the child inhale at each point of the star and exhale tracing to the next point. The aim is to have the child exhale twice as long as they inhale to calm the sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, or freeze.)

The next step is to count the numbers 1-5 and then backward 5-1. Counting can help to distract from anxious thoughts. Counting can also help the brain go from the emotional to logical state.

Encourage the child to use the opposite hand of where the star is placed (if the star is on the right side use the left hand to trace or point to the numbers). Crossing the midline of the body helps to strengthen both sides of the brain working together. A bilateral integrative connection can help to verbally (left brain) express your feelings (right brain) and hopefully regulate.

If the star design doesn't quite do the trick your child can count the designs on the clothes or even trace them. 

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