Behaviour Support for Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is the ability to recognise, understand and manage emotions in a way that supports daily life, relationships and participation.
Some children, teens and adults experience strong emotional responses that can feel overwhelming or difficult to control. This may look like:

• frequent meltdowns or shutdowns
• anger, distress or frustration
• difficulty calming after becoming upset
• impulsive reactions
• avoidance, refusal or withdrawal
• behaviours that place the person or others at risk

Positive Behaviour Support can help by looking at what is happening underneath the behaviour and developing practical, respectful strategies that support regulation over time.

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What Is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation does not mean suppressing emotions or expecting someone to stay calm all the time.
It means building the skills and supports needed to:

• notice emotional changes
• understand triggers
• communicate needs
• use calming strategies
• recover after distress
• participate more confidently in daily life

For some people, emotional regulation is harder because of neurodevelopmental, sensory, communication, mental health or cognitive factors.

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Why Emotional Dysregulation Happens

Emotional dysregulation may be linked to:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD or attention and concentration difficulties
• anxiety or depression
• developmental delays
• sensory processing differences
• communication difficulties
• trauma or stress
• cognitive impairment or neurological conditions
• fatigue, pain or unmet needs

Behaviour is often a signal that a person is overwhelmed, under-supported or unable to communicate what they need in that moment.

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How Positive Behaviour Support Helps Emotional Regulation

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding why emotional responses happen and creating supports that reduce distress and build skills.
PBS may help by:

• identifying triggers and early warning signs
• reducing environmental stressors
• teaching coping and regulation strategies
• supporting communication
• helping families and support teams respond consistently
• developing proactive and reactive strategies
• improving safety and participation

Learn more about PBS here

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Emotional Regulation Strategies

1. Proactive Strategies
These aim to reduce the chance of escalation before it happens.
Examples include:

• predictable routines
• visual schedules
• transition warnings
• sensory breaks
• reducing demands during high-stress times
• offering choices
• preparing for changes in routine
• identifying known triggers

​2. Skill-Building Strategies
These help the person build regulation skills over time.
Examples include:

• recognising body cues
• naming emotions
• asking for help or a break
• using calming tools
• practising problem-solving
• learning safe replacement behaviours
• developing communication strategies

3. Reactive Strategies
These are used when a person is already distressed or escalated.
Examples include:

• staying calm
• reducing verbal demands
• using short, clear language
• giving space where safe
• removing unnecessary triggers
• supporting safety
• waiting until the person is regulated before problem-solving

Learn more about PBS strategies

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Emotional Regulation Support for Children

Children may need support when they:

• have frequent meltdowns
• struggle with transitions
• become overwhelmed at school or home
• have difficulty following routines
• lash out when frustrated
• find it hard to communicate feelings

Behaviour support for children often includes parent coaching, visual supports, routine development and strategies that can be used consistently across home, school and community settings.

Learn more about Behaviour Support for Children

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Emotional Regulation Support for Teens and Adults

For teens and adults, support may focus on:

• recognising early signs of escalation
• managing stress and overwhelm
• improving communication
• developing coping strategies
• supporting independence
• reducing behaviours that create risk
• improving relationships and community participation

This may be especially important where emotional regulation difficulties occur alongside autism, ADHD, mental health challenges or cognitive changes.

Learn more about Behaviour Support for Teens and Adults

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Emotional Regulation and ADHD

People with ADHD may experience emotions quickly and intensely. They may also find it difficult to pause, reflect or problem-solve during moments of frustration.
Support may include:

• reducing overwhelm
• building routines
• creating calming plans
• improving executive functioning supports
• teaching practical regulation strategies

Learn more about ADHD Behaviour Support

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Emotional Regulation and Autism

Autistic people may experience emotional dysregulation when sensory, communication, social or environmental demands become overwhelming.
Support may include:

• sensory regulation strategies
• visual supports
• predictable routines
• transition supports
• communication tools
• environmental adjustments

Learn more about Autism Behaviour Support

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Functional Behaviour Assessment for Emotional Regulation

If emotional responses are frequent, intense or affecting safety and participation, a Functional Behaviour Assessment may help identify:

• what happens before the behaviour
• what the behaviour looks like
• what happens afterwards
• what the person may be communicating
• what strategies may help

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment

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NDIS Behaviour Support for Emotional Regulation

Behaviour support may be funded under the NDIS when emotional regulation difficulties are linked to disability-related support needs and the participant’s goals.
This may include:

• assessment
• behaviour support planning
• parent or carer coaching
• strategy development
• team training
• review and monitoring

Learn more about NDIS PBS Support

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How Belong Health Can Help

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support for children, teens, adults and older individuals across Mandurah, Perth and WA.
Our PBS practitioners can support with:

• emotional regulation difficulties
• behaviours of concern
• autism and ADHD-related behaviour support
• functional behaviour assessments
• behaviour support plans
• parent, carer and support team strategies
• telehealth support across WA

Check out our PBS Hub Page

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GETTING STARTED
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If emotional regulation difficulties are affecting daily life, relationships, school, home or community participation, our team can help you understand what may be happening and what support options may be suitable.​
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​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
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What is emotional regulation in Positive Behaviour Support?
Emotional regulation refers to a person’s ability to manage and respond to emotions in a safe and appropriate way. In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), emotional regulation is a key focus, as many behaviours of concern are linked to difficulty managing emotions.

How does Positive Behaviour Support help with emotional regulation?
PBS supports emotional regulation by:

• Identifying triggers
• Teaching coping strategies
• Building communication skills
• Adjusting environments to reduce stress

Why is emotional regulation important in behaviour support?
When individuals can regulate their emotions effectively, they are less likely to experience distress that leads to behaviours of concern.

What causes emotional dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation may be caused by:

• Communication difficulties
• Sensory sensitivities
• Anxiety or stress
• Neurological differences (e.g. autism, ADHD)
• Environmental overwhelm

What are signs of emotional dysregulation?
Signs may include:

• Meltdowns or emotional outbursts
• Withdrawal or shutdown
• Aggression or frustration
• Difficulty calming down

What triggers emotional dysregulation?
Common triggers include:

• Changes in routine
• High demands or expectations
• Sensory overload
• Fatigue
• Social challenges

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies for emotional regulation?
Strategies may include:

• Teaching coping skills
• Using visual supports
• Creating predictable routines
• Providing sensory supports
• Supporting communication

What are proactive strategies for emotional regulation?
Proactive strategies aim to prevent distress and may include:

• Preparing for transitions
• Reducing triggers
• Building daily routines
• Supporting emotional awareness

What are reactive strategies for emotional regulation?
Reactive strategies are used during distress and focus on:

• Staying calm and consistent
• Reducing demands
• Supporting de-escalation
• Ensuring safety

What are examples of emotional regulation strategies?
Examples include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Taking a break or using a quiet space
• Using visual emotion scales
• Movement or sensory activities

How can you support emotional regulation at home?
At home, support may include:

• Creating consistent routines
• Teaching coping strategies
• Modelling calm behaviour
• Providing clear expectations

How do you help someone calm down when overwhelmed?
Helpful approaches include:

• Reducing noise and stimulation
• Offering space
• Using calming strategies
• Speaking calmly and clearly

What should you avoid when someone is emotionally dysregulated?
Avoid:

• Raising your voice
• Arguing or reasoning during escalation
• Adding demands
• Punishment-based responses

How is emotional regulation included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
Behaviour Support Plans include:

• Identification of emotional triggers
• Strategies to build regulation skills
• Proactive and reactive supports
• Environmental adjustments

What strategies are used to improve emotional regulation over time?
Strategies focus on:

• Skill development
• Consistency across environments
• Gradual independence
• Ongoing review and adjustment

How does PBS support emotional regulation in autism?
PBS supports emotional regulation in autism by addressing sensory needs, communication challenges, and environmental factors.

How does PBS support emotional regulation in ADHD?
PBS supports ADHD by helping with impulse control, emotional awareness, and structured routines.

Who benefits from emotional regulation support?
Emotional regulation support benefits children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of developmental, cognitive, and mental health needs.

What are the benefits of improving emotional regulation?
Improved emotional regulation can lead to:

• Reduced behaviours of concern
• Better communication
• Increased independence
• Improved relationships

How long does it take to improve emotional regulation?
Timeframes vary, but progress occurs through consistent support, practice, and individualised strategies.

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