sensory

support

For children in Northern Ireland

Just Right State: Sensory Intervention for Emotional Regulation

At WayMaker, we understand the importance of helping children achieve and maintain a suitable state of arousal. The Just Right State Intervention is designed to support children who struggle with emotional regulation and sensory issues. Our programme aims to help children and their parents/carers understand and manage these challenges effectively.

What is Just Right State Intervention?

Maintaining Suitable Arousal for Everyday Functioning

The Just Right State refers to a person's ability to maintain and achieve a suitable state of arousal, whether it's a calm state needed for resting or an alert state for physical activity. Regulation is crucial for everyday functioning and behaviour. Poor regulation can lead to behavioural and emotional difficulties, manifesting as hyperactivity, aloofness, or avoidance in challenging situations. These are survival modes of behaviour, often seen as the fight, flight, or freeze response.

Addressing Regulation Concerns

Understanding and Supporting Emotional and Sensory Challenges

At WayMaker, we have seen a rise in referrals regarding children's regulation issues.

Common concerns reported by parents/carers include:

Difficulty containing emotions
Frequent emotional outbursts
Stubbornness and aggression
Shutoff behaviour and disinterest
Sensory processing issues

Parents often struggle to understand why these behaviours occur and how to support their children effectively. This is where our Just Right State Intervention can help.

The Children's Sessions
Sensory-Based Activities for Self-Regulation
Our programme involves sensory-based activities and foods to help children learn self-regulation. Using characters from 'The Scared Gang,' children learn about different survival patterns of behaviour (fight, flight, freeze) and how to achieve their Just Right State. This helps them understand their reactions and what makes them feel better.
The Parent's Sessions
Self-Care and Co-Regulation
For parents, the programme emphasises the importance of self-care, similar to the rule on an airplane to put your oxygen mask on first. The programme teaches parents how various sensations can uplift, soothe, and help them stay calm, ensuring a positive and enjoyable relationship with their child. Parents learn strategies to manage their own stress and gain insights into their child's behaviour and development.

For Children
- Improved readiness for academic learning
- Better social interactions with peers and adults
- Enhanced emotional awareness and understanding
- Better sleep
- Tools for self-regulation and achieving the Just Right State
For Parents
- Insight into child behaviour
- Tools to create an enriched home environment
- Positive interactions with their children
- Understanding of development and attachment principles

How Does It Work and How Long Does It Last?
The Just Right State programme is typically a 6-week course run on a 1:1 basis, though it can be tailored to suit family needs:
1. One-to-One:
  Children attend a 6-week programme with the facilitator, with parents joining in Weeks 5 & 6 if confirmed beforehand.
2. Parents:
  Week 1 is for parents to understand their children's needs and the programme. Parents can:
  - Attend a concurrent 6-week programme
  - Join Weeks 5 & 6 of the children's programme
  - Avail of a concise, tailored programme with additional sessions as needed

READY to start the Right State Intervention journey?

01 | GATHER

Fill out our referral form to help us understand
your child's sensory needs and determine the best support
02 | CONNECT

A certified therapist will connect with you for a
free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation.
03 | New Beginnings

Let’s work together to help your child start
a new path with a bespoke sensory diet