Big emotions can feel overwhelming for kids. Frustration. Excitement. Disappointment. All of it can be built quickly. For many children, especially autistic children, knowing what to do with those emotions does not come naturally.
In this Real Steps story, we share how simple coping strategies helped regulate behavior in daily life. Progress was gradual—step by step, using patience, practice, and real-life support.
Please note: Therapy is a highly personal experience, and, like any other treatment, results are not uniform. Several factors determine whether a child will benefit from therapy, including individual characteristics, the nature of their needs, and the quality of support they receive at home and/or school.
When Big Emotions Took Over
At first, frustration led to big reactions. Transitions were hard. Waiting felt impossible. When things did not go as expected, emotions rose fast. Crying, yelling, or dropping to the floor became ways to release feelings. The child did not want to act out but lacked coping tools. Behavior regulation was not about stopping emotions. It was about learning what to do when emotions showed up.
Understanding Behavior Regulation
Behavior regulation means being able to pause, calm the body, and respond more safely. It does not mean ignoring feelings or forcing calm. For this child, behavior regulation started with awareness. Learning to notice when the body feels tense. Learning that it was okay to feel upset. And learning that there were choices available to help the body feel better. This is where coping strategies came in.
Introducing Coping Strategies That Felt Safe
The first coping strategy was deep breathing. It was simple and gentle, with no pressure. Breathing was first practiced in calm moments—not during meltdowns or stress, but during play. The child blew bubbles, pretended to blow out candles, and took slow breaths with an adult. These sessions were short, sometimes just seconds, but they built familiarity. Deep breathing slowly became something the child saw as helpful.
Using Coping Strategies During Real Moments
Over time, coping strategies moved into real situations. When frustration rose, an adult gently reminded the child to pause and breathe. Sometimes the child needed help or copied the adult, sometimes they needed a few tries. Progress looked like this: the child stopped yelling sooner, relaxed faster, and returned to activities more quickly. Deep breathing became a bridge between emotion and behavior regulation.
Small Wins That Made a Big Difference
A big change was how quickly the child recovered after getting upset. Before, emotional moments lasted long. Now, the child uses a coping strategy to calm down more independently. Another win was confidence—the child grew proud of using breathing without reminders. That pride mattered. Behavior regulation improved, not because emotions disappeared, but because the child learned how to move through them.
Why Coping Strategies Matter for Behavior Regulation
Coping strategies give children options. They offer a way to feel in control when emotions feel big.
For autistic children, coping strategies work best when they are:
- Simple
- Practiced often
- Used in real-life situations
- Supported by trusted adults
Deep breathing is one of the most powerful tools because it is always available. No materials needed. No special setup required.
What Parents Often Ask About Coping Strategies
When should coping strategies be taught?
- During calm moments. Practice first. Use later.
What if my child refuses to try?
- That is okay. Modeling helps. Keep it gentle. Keep it short.
Can coping strategies replace behaviors completely?
- The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress. Every calm moment counts.
Real Steps Toward Emotional Growth
This Real Steps story shows that behavior regulation does not come from control. It comes from connection. From teaching. From patience. Coping strategies like deep breathing may seem simple, but for a child learning to handle emotions, they can make a meaningful difference. These are real-life transformations. Built one step at a time.
Start ABA Therapy With Circle City ABA
If your child struggles with big emotions or behavior regulation, you are not alone. With ABA therapy at Circle City ABA, children learn coping strategies that fit daily life, helping them build skills to manage emotions and support positive behavior changes. Our team uses ABA principles to teach practical tools that foster emotional growth and independence.
Call 317-641-0204 or visit our website to start ABA therapy with Circle City ABA today. Every small step matters.
Disclaimer: Every child is different. This story reflects the progress of one individual. Outcomes may vary based on several factors, including the child’s unique needs and the level of support they receive.
