Emotional Regulation in 6–8 Year Olds: What’s typical—and what it may look like in neurodiverse children

Emotional regulation is the ability to notice feelings, understand them, and respond in a helpful way. Ages 6–8 are a key stage where children grow rapidly in this area.

✨ What You’ll Typically See (Ages 6–8)

1. Better awareness of feelings

●      Can label basic emotions

●      Start noticing body cues and triggers

2. Slight pause before reacting

●      More able to “think first”

●      Might take a break or ask for help

3. Early problem-solving

●      Can consider simple choices

●      Understand basic consequences

4. Independent use of simple calming tools

●      Drawing, movement breaks, breathing, quiet space

5. Growing empathy

●      Notice when others are upset

●      Show small acts of kindness

✨ How Neurodiverse Children May Differ

1. Emotional awareness may be delayed or inconsistent

●      Difficulty describing emotions

●      Reactions may appear sudden or intense

2. Sensory needs strongly influence emotions

●      Noise, touch, crowds, or changes can overwhelm

●      May lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, or irritability

3. Strategies often need explicit teaching

●      Visuals, routines, modelling, and co-regulation

4. Emotional expression may look different

●      Using behaviour instead of words

●      Appearing either “overly sensitive” or “not bothered”

●      Strong focus on certain feelings or situations

5. Social-emotional development may be uneven

●      Strengths in empathy and fairness

●      Challenges with social cues or conflict resolution

✨ How an Occupational Therapist Can Help

An OT can support emotional regulation through:

●      Sensory assessment to understand triggers, overloads, and sensory needs

●      Teaching regulation strategies (breathing, movement, body awareness, self-talk)

●      Visual supports like feelings charts, zones, and routines

●      Building co-regulation skills between the child and caregivers

●      Strengthening executive function skills such as planning, impulse control, and problem-solving

●      Creating personalised sensory and regulation plans for home and school

●      Supporting independence in recognising cues and choosing the right tool

Jophy Or - Occupational Therapist at Kids Inspired