Our Autism Adventure
Navigating emotions and sensory challenges can feel overwhelming, especially for children and teenagers with an Autism or other neurodivergent diagnosis. That’s why we offer free tips and printable supports to guide parents and caregivers, plus easy-to-use tools like our Emotion Identifier Kit to make the process more intuitive and playful.
Deep Breathing
Teaching children breathing and counting techniques can help them to manage their emotions better when they are upset. One of the first tips we taught our son was to take a deep breath and count to ten. We showed him how to do this when he was calm and away from anything highly stimulus. Once the child is triggered, trying to teach him breathing and counting techniques can lead to further frustration.
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It is also a good opportunity for parents to take a breath and count to ten with their child before reacting to their child's behavior. This can help both the parent and child stay calm and communicate effectively.
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If you and your child enjoy visual cues, try pairing the breathing exercise with laminated cards from our Manage My Feelings Kit—it offers calming steps you can practice during peaceful times and revisit when emotions escalate.
Recognize and Name
Emotions in Others
Teaching kids and teens with Autism how to recognize and name emotions in others can be a good way to start. One way do this is by incorporating daily activities that involve identifying emotions, such as asking "your sister is smiling, do you think she's happy?" in a neutral tone of voice.
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At Our Autism Adventure, we understand the importance of helping kids recognize different emotions. That's why we are working diligently to offer a variety of printables designed to assist children at any level. Our resources are here to help your on their emotional journey.
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To make these moments even more engaging, you might use our Emotion Identifier Kit—a set of easy visuals that can make naming and understanding emotions feel more interactive and fun.​​
Recognize and NameEmotions in Themselves
​Encouraging your child to identify and express their emotions is an important part their development. By helping them recognize physical sensations associated with different emotions, you can support their emotional intelligence. Try asking questions like "How does your body feel when you're happy or "What happens to your breathing when you're angry?" to help them connect their feelings with physical sensations.
For extra resources on identifying their own emotions, parents an caregivers can check out our "Managing My Feelings" kit in our store. This printable kit is designed for autistic and neurodivergent kids and teens but is helpful for all children learning emotional regulation.
Small Supports, Big Impact
Many autistic kids and teens benefit from clear visuals and predictable routines when learning about emotions. Seeing feelings represented in a simple, concrete way can reduce overwhelm and help children feel more in control. Even small changes—like pointing to a visual card instead of using words in a stressful moment—can make communication calmer and more effective.
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You can use ready-to-go printables from our store, like the Emotion Identifier Kit or Manage My Feelings Kit, or even create your own simple visuals at home. What matters most is consistency and connection—tools are just a way to make those moments easier for both kids and caregivers.
Emotional Freedom Technique
- EFT or “Tapping”-
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), often called tapping, is a simple, calming tool that some families use to help manage stress or anxiety. It involves gently tapping on specific points of the body—such as the side of the hand, forehead, or collarbone—while focusing on a thought, feeling, or situation that’s causing distress.
The rhythmic tapping can help create a sense of grounding and calm. For many people, including some individuals on the autism spectrum, it provides a predictable and soothing physical action during moments of overwhelm or anxiety. It’s easy to learn and can be done almost anywhere.
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Parents and caregivers can explore gentle, child-friendly versions of EFT by watching short guided videos or learning from certified practitioners. Every person’s sensory preferences are different, so it’s important to introduce tapping slowly and watch for comfort cues.
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Note: EFT is considered a complementary strategy and is not a replacement for medical or behavioral therapy. If you’re interested in trying it, talk with your child’s therapist or healthcare provider to see if it’s a good fit.
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Learn more about EFT/Tapping:
If you’d like to explore this technique further, these resources offer helpful information and gentle guidance for getting started:
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