Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Sensory Needs, Emotional Regulation, and Meltdowns

Created and presented by Bridgett Chowning, MS, OTR/L
In partnership with Moving Mountains Autism Foundation, Regulate & Thrive, and Bridgeway Health

Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Sensory Needs, Emotional Regulation, and Meltdowns In this parent and caregiver workshop, pediatric occupational therapist Bridgett Chowning, MS, OTR/L, explores what may be happening underneath challenging behavior and how sensory processing, emotional regulation, and nervous system needs can affect a child’s ability to participate, communicate, transition, and cope with everyday demands.

We discuss:

• sensory processing and sensory modulation

• sensory seeking, over-responsivity, and low registration

• why regulation is not the same thing as being calm

• recognizing early signs of dysregulation

• meltdowns and what may be contributing beneath the behavior

• co-regulation and supporting a child through difficult moments

• transitions, routines, public outings, school, bedtime, and other everyday challenges

• practical sensory and regulation strategies families can begin using at home

• how to look for patterns and identify what actually helps your individual child

This workshop was originally presented in partnership with Moving Mountains Autism Foundation.

Presented by: Bridgett Chowning, MS, OTR/L Pediatric Occupational Therapist Founder, Regulate & Thrive Owner, Bridgeway Health PLLC

This presentation is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, occupational therapy, mental health, or other professional evaluation or treatment. Every child is different, and strategies should be individualized based on the child’s needs and circumstances.

Additional resources and information can be added below as they become available.