LET'S REGULATE

Meltdowns, tantrums, mood swings. .. For many neurodiverse children, being active is the secret to calmer moods and better focus. Here's how simple, everyday movement can help your child manage stress, anxiety and big feelings

- Words by THUVESHNIE GOVENDER

Any child can throw a fit, blow up over small things or spiral when things don't go their way, but most will eventually calm down. However, children who are neurodivergent, with conditions such as learning disabilities or ADHD, may have a harder time with self-regulation because these conditions affect brain development, according to Foothills Academy Society.

For example, “A 10-year-old child with ADHD may have the self-regulation skills of a typically developing seven-year-old.”

This isn't cause for alarm. It simply means your child needs a little extra support, care and understandinge, which is perfectly okay. Sometimes life takes a different turn, and all we can do is adapt and learn as we go.

To find out how movement can help, we spoke to Jennifer Maud, a paediatric occupational therapist at Jennifer Maud Therapy Group, about why being active can be a powerful tool for neurodivergent kids.

UNDERSTANDING REGULATION

In occupational therapy, regulation means being in a state of balance, says Jennifer. This is especially true when it comes to your child's calm and alert levels.

“When a child is moving and receiving physical activity, they are feeding their proprioceptive system,” she explains.

This is the body's sense of where it is in space, giving the child body awareness and helping them feel grounded, organised and in control. It's a bit like how exercise is recommended for adults when we're overwhelmed, stressed or anxious. Movement releases endorphins and other natural mood boosters, which the body learns to rely on when stress levels rise.