Stay Calm Little One! | Calming Down Children With Autism

Parenting a child with autism comes with unique challenges and emotions often run high, not just for you, but for your child, too. That’s why teaching calming strategies is one of the most valuable tools you can give your child. Whether you’re navigating the highs and lows of meltdowns, sensory overload, or transitions, having a go-to set of techniques can make a big difference.

At Into the Spectrum, our team specializes in ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) for children with autism, and today we’re sharing a few calming strategies that we’ve seen help children regulate their emotions and bodies in meaningful, lasting ways.

Why Calming Strategies Matter

Think about a time when you felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or anxious. What helped you calm down? Maybe you took a walk, turned on music, or took a few deep breaths. Our children need those same kinds of tools, but they often need help learning what works for them and when to use it.

Through ABA therapy, we help children identify and practice these techniques so that when they do feel dysregulated, they know how to respond in a way that soothes rather than escalates.

Building a Toolbox of Calming Strategies

Every child is different - what calms one child might overstimulate another. One child may find peace in jumping on a trampoline, while another becomes more energized and harder to redirect. That’s why creating a personalized “calming toolbox” is key.

Here are some calming strategies that we often recommend during ABA sessions:

• Taking a walk

• Deep breathing exercises

• Listening to calming music

• Reading a favorite book

• Using fidget tools or stress balls

• Doing slow, rhythmic movements like rocking

• Squishing a pillow or weighted object

  
  

One great resource that many parents find helpful is The Zones of Regulation. This is a framework designed to help children identify their feelings and choose appropriate strategies. It includes printable calming tools that can be used to build your child’s toolbox. (This isn’t a paid endorsement—we just love the resource!)

Practicing Strategies at the Right Time

One of the most common mistakes is trying to introduce a new calming strategy in the heat of a meltdown. When your child is already overwhelmed, they’re not in a learning state. Instead, practice calming strategies during calm, low-stress times. That way, when your child really needs them, they’ll already know what to do.

Try these steps:

1. Introduce calming strategies as a daily activity, not just when your child is upset.

2. Create a “calm corner” or box in your home filled with sensory tools and visuals.

3. Make a visual choice board with pictures of calming options. Hang it in a visible place like the fridge or your child’s bedroom wall.

4. Role-play with your child: Say things like, “Let’s pretend you’re feeling frustrated. What could you pick from your board?”

Teaching Self-Regulation Through ABA Therapy

Teaching your child how to regulate their emotions is a long game, but the benefits last a lifetime. Through ABA, we work to help children identify their emotions, understand the triggers, and choose strategies that help bring them back to a calm state. These aren’t just coping mechanisms, they’re essential life skills.

With consistency, practice, and support, your child can build emotional awareness and independence, leading to fewer meltdowns and more moments of calm.

Helping your child manage emotions isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. ABA therapy gives families structured, evidence-based strategies that are customized to each child’s needs.

What calming strategies work best for your child? We’d love to hear from you. Drop your thoughts in the comments or explore more resources to continue building your child’s calming toolbox.