At a glance: Supports children experiencing challenges with emotional regulation, attention, anxiety, or attachment. Activities focus on co-regulation, sensory calming, predictable routines, and building emotional vocabulary through play. Browse 110 adapted activities below.
This area covers challenges with emotional regulation, attention, anxiety, and attachment. It includes children with ADHD traits, those who experience big emotions more intensely than peers, and those who find social situations overwhelming.
Your child may have meltdowns that feel disproportionate, struggle to settle into new environments, find it hard to wait or take turns, become very anxious about changes, or need more physical closeness than peers. These are signs of how they experience the world, not ‘bad behaviour’.
Play can provide a safe space to practise managing feelings. Predictable routines within play help build security. Sensory activities can help a child regulate their nervous system. Playing alongside a trusted adult can support the attachment that helps emotional growth.
Keep sessions short and finish on a positive note. Use calming sensory elements — warm water, soft textures, gentle music. Give warnings before transitions: ‘Two more turns, then we’ll tidy up.’ Stay close and calm when emotions are big.
Your health visitor or GP can discuss your concerns and refer to specialist services. A child psychologist or play therapist can help with emotional regulation strategies. If your child is in nursery, their SENCO can put support in place.
Emotional and social challenges often overlap with communication needs and sensory processing. A child who melts down in noisy environments may have sensory needs rather than — or as well as — emotional regulation difficulties.
The official guide to special educational needs and disabilities for families in England.
NHS guidance on getting support for children with additional needs.
A charity for families with disabled children — helpline, local groups, and practical support.
Free legally-based advice for families navigating SEN support and EHC plans.
Support for parents on child behaviour, development, and safeguarding — including Talk PANTS with SEND-friendly resources.
One email a week with adapted activities, SEND-friendly tips, and practical play ideas. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
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