Regulation Zones Guide

Helping caregivers recognize early signs and prevent escalation

⚠️ Important: This is NOT Behavior Tracking

This guide helps caregivers understand and support your child's regulation states. It's about recognizing needs and providing support, not monitoring or changing behavior.

😊

Green Zone: Regulated

👀 Signs to Look For

Engaged and responding to interactions
Flexible thinking and problem-solving
Able to handle minor changes
Using communication effectively
Body appears relaxed and comfortable

💚 How to Support

✓ Maintain current supports and environment
✓ This is a great time for learning new skills
✓ Offer praise for self-regulation
✓ Continue with planned activities

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Yellow Zone: Early Signs

⚠️ Early Warning Signs

Increased fidgeting or movement
Difficulty focusing or paying attention
Repeating questions or phrases more
Sensitivity to sensory input increasing
Beginning to withdraw or avoid

🟡 Proactive Support Strategies

✓ Offer a break proactively before it's needed
✓ Reduce demands and simplify tasks
✓ Provide preferred regulatory tool (fidget, headphones, etc.)
✓ Use calming voice tone and slower pace
✓ Move to quieter/calmer environment if possible
✓ Offer choices to give sense of control

😰

Orange Zone: Escalated

🔴 Signs of Escalation

Unable to use typical communication
Physical signs of distress (covering ears, pacing)
May appear "stuck" or unable to move forward
Extreme sensitivity to environment
Fight, flight, or freeze response activated

🟠 Crisis Prevention Support

✓ Remove all demands completely - this is not teaching time
✓ Offer space or support based on child's preference
✓ Use minimal language - presence over words
✓ Ensure safety without restraint
✓ Wait for return to yellow/green before re-engaging
✓ Document what triggered for future prevention

Recovery & Reset Time

After escalation, the nervous system needs time to fully reset

15-30 min

This varies by child and situation

During Recovery:

→ Don't rush - let the nervous system fully reset
→ Avoid discussing what happened until fully regulated
→ Offer preferred calming activities without demands
→ Provide access to comfort items and safe spaces
→ Resume normal activities gradually
→ Watch for signs of returning to green zone

Customize for Your Child

Green Zone Signs (Your Child When Regulated)

Yellow Zone Signs (Early Warning Signs)

These are the subtle signs caregivers should watch for

Yellow Zone Supports That Work

Orange Zone Signs (Escalated State)

Orange Zone Crisis Prevention

Typical Recovery Time (minutes)

How long does your child usually need to fully recover?

Quick Reference for Caregivers

🚫 Never Do This

Force compliance, use punishment, restrain (unless safety), shame or blame, rush recovery

✅ Always Remember

Behavior is communication, sensory needs are real, regulation comes before learning, connection before correction

📞 When to Get Help

Safety concerns, extended orange zone (>30 min), new concerning patterns, caregiver overwhelm

💙 Self-Care for Caregivers

Stay regulated yourself, take breaks when possible, seek support, remember: you're doing your best