Sensory Regulation Strategy Cards. Self-Regulation Activities for Autism and ADHD. OT Printable

Why are sensory regulation strategies important?

Children's levels of alertness naturally change throughout the day. Some children may feel overwhelmed, anxious or overstimulated and benefit from calming sensory input, while others may appear tired, distracted or under-responsive and benefit from alerting activities to help them engage with learning.

This printable pack includes 40 OT-inspired sensory regulation cards:

20 Calming Strategies to help children and teens relax, organise their bodies and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
20 Alerting Strategies to help increase attention, energy and readiness for learning.

Using a range of sensory strategies helps children discover which activities work best for their individual regulation needs, encouraging greater independence and self-awareness over time.

These activities can help support:
Self-regulation and emotional regulation
Attention and concentration
Readiness to learn
Body awareness and interoception
Managing sensory overwhelm
Increasing alertness when feeling tired or disengaged
Successful classroom participation
Transitions throughout the day
Developing independent regulation strategies

Ideal for:
Suitable for older children and teenagers who benefit from sensory regulation strategies.

Particularly useful for:
Autism
ADHD
Sensory processing differences
Emotional regulation difficulties
Children who become overwhelmed, anxious or dysregulated
Children who need support maintaining attention and alertness
SEND support, intervention groups and Occupational Therapy programmes

How & When to Use
Choose 1–3 strategy cards based on the child's current level of alertness and regulation.

The cards are also ideal for sharing with parents and caregivers, providing practical strategies that can be used consistently at home to help children recognise their regulation needs and develop lifelong self-regulation skills.

Children respond differently to different types of sensory input. Encourage them to explore a variety of calming and alerting strategies to discover what helps them feel calm, focused and ready to participate.

This 40-card set includes:
• 20 Alerting activities to increase focus and energy
• 20 Calming activities to reduce overload and tension

Build into daily routines to support self regulation at home.

⚠️ TERMS OF USE, COPYRIGHT & SAFETY DISCLAIMER

Educational Enrichment Only: This digital download is a general educational resource designed for home and classroom enrichment purposes. While it is created by a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) and inspired by developmental principles, it is not clinical therapy, does not contain medical advice, and does not provide a clinical diagnosis or individualised treatment plan.

No Therapist-Patient Relationship: Your purchase or use of this resource does not establish a professional therapist-patient relationship between you and the author. This resource is never a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation or custom treatment plan by a local healthcare professional. Always consult a qualified Occupational Therapist or paediatrician regarding specific developmental or medical concerns.

Assumption of Risk & Safety: The physical gross-motor exercises, fine-motor layouts, and sensory play ideas in this download are intended for general developmental play. All activities must be conducted under direct, competent adult supervision. Every child develops at their own pace; if you are in any doubt about a child's safety, physical ability, or medical readiness for a specific prompt, please leave that activity out. The author and publisher accept no liability for any injury, loss, or damage caused by the use or misuse of this resource.

Copyright & Intellectual Property: All content, designs, and layouts contained within this file are the exclusive intellectual property of Organised Mind. This material is protected by copyright law and may not be resold, repackaged, redistributed, shared, or uploaded to shared internet drives/websites under any circumstances.

Single-Use License: Each individual purchase grants a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for one individual user only (e.g., one household, one therapist, or one classroom teacher). Sharing this file with others without an independent purchase is strictly prohibited.

Digital Refund Policy: Due to the instant, digital nature of these downloadable products, all sales are final. We cannot offer refunds, cancellations, or exchanges once a file has been downloaded. If you experience any technical glitches or download issues, please contact the shop directly for assistance.


40 Sensory & Self-Regulation Activity Cards (4 cards/ A4 page)


Sensory Regulation Strategies