Self-regulation is a skill we all use. Whether it’s staying calm in traffic, managing frustration, or staying focused on a task. In the classroom, it plays a vital role in how students learn, behave, and interact. While every student uses self-regulation differently, factors like age, environment, and neurodiversity can influence how much support they need. In this blog, we’re focusing on self-regulation in the classroom—and key self regulations tools you can use to help your students build and strengthen this essential skill.

Introduce Visual Support Tools

How can they help?

Autistic individuals often feel comforted by a predictable and consistent routine. Knowing what is coming next, or how the day is structured feels 'safe'. It also allows students to understand time limits, manage transitions and build patience.

  1. Visual timetables - include 'what's next' timetables or symbols to show a visual representation of the day, or activity.
  2. Timers - use visual timers to show the passage of time, and how long a particular activity has left
  3. Pop Up Desk Screens - provide a controlled area to concentrate and a feeling of safety, as well as blocking out visual disturbances that may impact behaviour.

Communication Resources

How can they help?

Many autistic students find it challenging to express their emotions. Communication fans and visual support cards help students express how they're feeling and how to ask for support. Having these resources on hand throughout the day can help students recognise when they're feeling overwhelmed and choose appropriate strategies to cope. Try a traffic light fan - the 3 coloured cards (green, amber & red) can help students express when they're feeling dysregulated and when they may need extra support. The feelings fan can be particular beneficial in expressing how certain environments or situations are affecting them. Providing students with these tools helps them feel more in control of their own feelings and how to manage reactions.

 

Ear Defenders & Sensory Ear Plugs

How can they help?

The classroom environment can be overwhelming for autistic students. Bright lights, noise from other students and visual clutter can make it difficult to concentrate on tasks, or manage emotions. Introducing ear defenders or ear plugs can help reduce auditory overstimulation, creating a more relaxed environment. A student will be in a better position to concentrate on the task at hand if external factors are reduced. This can mean that instead of becoming irritated or reacting negatively to a task at hand, students can take a step back or ask for help -  learning how to manage their emotions and self regulate with little support.

Weighted Lap Pads or Shoulder Wraps

How can they help?

Weighted therapy is a recognised tool for providing calming deep pressure to the body. The soothing deep pressure can help calm the nervous system, enabling the user to better focus on tasks ahead and manage emotions. Try a weighted lap pad or shoulder wrap during seated activities to provide deep pressure to the legs and upper body. Or encourage the use of a tactile weighted animal in a quiet space in the classroom. The gentle weight together with the soft tactile materials helps to calm anxious or over stimulated bodies, helping students to self regulate and reset.

 

 

Quality Fidget Tools

How can they help?

Fidget balls, twist and lock blocks, stretchy noodles, or tangle toys provide a sensory outlet for students who need to move or touch to stay focused. These tools can reduce anxiety and improve concentration without disrupting others. Try using a sensory fidget jar with a few different options to help students choose what works best for them.

Allow open access to the jar throughout the day so students know they can access it when feeling over stimulated. This makes them feel more in control over their responses and how to manage them.

Encourage active sitting

How can they help?

Some autistic students find it difficult to remain still or seated during set tasks, they may also present as hyperactive. These movements can be increased in frequency during times of heightened emotions or stress. Encouraging the use of a wobble cushion on a chair engages a students core muscles, allowing small controlled movement while seated, helping students regulate their bodies and maintain focus. Students can still move, but fidgeting and larger movements are reduced, encouraging 'active sitting'. If you have students who respond well to wobble cushions you could also try wobble stool, encouraging small movements with legs and feet to remain stable.

Movement breaks

How can they help?

You know the feeling when you're struggling with a project?  Leaving your screen for 5 minutes to go and make a cup of tea helps you to refocus and return with a fresh perspective on the task at hand. This same principle can be applied in the classroom. Taking a break from the classroom and allowing bodies and minds to re-set goes a long way in helping keep emotions under control. Introduce body socks, scooter boards or resistance bands to get students moving, releasing excess energy and frustration, resetting themselves ready to take on the next activity. Introducing these tools as part of group activities can also be a great way to reduce social anxiety.

 

Sensory Clothing

Weighted compression vests support self-regulation by providing consistent deep pressure  to the body. This has a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system, similar to a lap pad or shoulder wrap. This helps students feel more grounded and aware of their bodies, reducing anxiety, restlessness, and sensory overload. For many students this can lead to improved focus, emotional regulation, and a greater ability to participate in classroom activities without becoming overwhelmed.

Try wearing a weighted compression vest whilst reading. The deep pressure feels like a hug which helps to boost moods, provide comfort and reassurance. This can be particularly helpful for students who are finding certain tasks, reading for example, difficult.

Additional Support

Our website has lots more advice on how to support your students as well as more tools to aid with self regulation. For advice on products please give our friendly customer services team a call on 01905 670 500 or email info@sensorydirect.com.

By Andrew Caws
Managing Director of Sensory Direct & Parent of an Autistic Adult
May 2025