ChartsLoom
Back to all charts

Family & Parenting

Feelings Chart

Help children name emotions, rate intensity, notice body clues, communicate needs, practice coping skills, and recognize when stronger support is needed.

This chart supports emotional language and everyday regulation. It cannot diagnose anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, or another condition. Self-harm, harm threats, inability to stay safe, or immediate danger requires urgent adult and professional help.

Feelings Chart showing child-friendly emotion words, facial expressions, body clues, intensity levels, coping skills, and help-seeking steps

How should a feelings chart be used?

Invite the child to choose or describe a feeling, estimate its intensity, notice body clues, and identify the kind of support that would help. The American Academy of Pediatrics emotion-coaching guidance recommends noticing, naming, acknowledging, and responding to feelings rather than dismissing them.

Start with the feeling

Name without judgment

A feeling is information. Adults can accept the emotion while still limiting unsafe behaviour.

Notice the pattern

Body · intensity · context

Body clues and intensity often reveal when support is needed before a child becomes overwhelmed.

Make a clear request

Feeling + clue + need

A short sentence stem can turn a difficult moment into a request for comfort, space, or help.

Protect safety

Escalate danger promptly

Self-harm, harm threats, severe loss of control, or immediate danger requires urgent adult action.

Direct answers to common feelings questions

What is a feelings chart?

A feelings chart helps a child identify an emotion, rate its intensity, notice body clues, and communicate a need.

Are any feelings bad?

No feeling is morally bad, but actions such as hitting, threatening, or destroying property still require clear safety limits.

What feelings should a preschool chart include?

Start with happy, sad, angry, scared, calm, and excited, then add more precise words as the child learns.

How do I help a child name a feeling?

Describe what you notice and offer a tentative label, such as “I wonder if you feel frustrated.”

What does co-regulation mean?

Co-regulation means an adult helps a child settle through calm presence, reduced demands, predictable limits, and appropriate coping support.

Should I solve the problem during a meltdown?

Regulate first. Flexible thinking and problem-solving usually improve after emotional intensity falls.

Can children feel more than one emotion?

Yes. Mixed feelings such as excited and worried or angry and hurt are common.

Why do feelings show up in the body?

Emotions can change heart rate, muscle tension, breathing, energy, temperature, and stomach sensations.

Can a non-speaking child use a feelings chart?

Yes. Pointing, signs, pictures, typing, gestures, drawing, and AAC are valid ways to communicate feelings.

How often should a family check in?

A brief predictable check-in once or twice daily can build skill without making emotions feel monitored constantly.

When should strong emotions be assessed?

Seek professional advice when symptoms are severe, persistent, developmentally unusual, or interfere with sleep, school, home, play, or relationships.

What if a child talks about self-harm?

Take the statement seriously, stay with the child, reduce access to hazards, and contact local emergency or crisis services.

Core Feelings Chart with Meanings and Needs

Emotion words become more useful when children connect each feeling with a possible message and a safe response.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

Emotion words become more useful when children connect each feeling with a possible message and a safe response.
FeelingWhat it may signalCommon body or behaviour cluesHelpful first response
HappyConnection, success, comfort, or enjoymentSmiling, open posture, lively voiceNotice and share the positive moment
CalmSafety, readiness, or balanceSteady breathing, relaxed musclesContinue the routine or choose the next task
SadLoss, disappointment, loneliness, or tirednessTears, low voice, heavy bodyOffer comfort, company, and time
AngryBlocked goal, unfairness, threat, pain, or overloadHot face, tight fists, loud voiceSet safety limits and regulate before talkingSafety and regulation before discussion
ScaredReal or perceived danger or uncertaintyFast heart, freezing, hiding, clingingMove toward safety and a trusted adult
WorriedAnticipated threat or repeated uncertaintyBusy thoughts, stomach discomfort, checkingName the worry and choose one controllable step
FrustratedA task or goal feels difficult or blockedSighing, quitting, repeated attemptsPause, break the task down, and ask for help
LonelyNeed for connection or belongingWithdrawal, watching others, low energyCreate one manageable connection opportunity
EmbarrassedFear of judgment after attention or a mistakeLooking away, hiding face, nervous laughterUse privacy, reassurance, and kind self-talk
JealousFear of losing attention, status, or something valuedComparing, protesting, possessivenessName the underlying need without shaming
ProudAchievement, effort, courage, or contributionUpright posture, sharing work, smilingPraise specific effort and values
OverwhelmedDemands exceed current coping capacityShutdown, agitation, crying, inability to chooseReduce demands and co-regulate first

Feelings are information, not proof of one cause. Ask what happened and what the child needs.

  • Children may show one feeling through another behaviour, such as fear appearing as anger.
  • A child can feel several emotions at the same time.
Download or export

Rate intensity without grading the emotion

A one-to-five scale communicates how much support is needed. Low intensity may need simple noticing. Strong intensity may need adult co-regulation, fewer demands, and more time before discussion.

Feelings Intensity Scale from 1 to 5

A shared intensity scale helps children communicate how strong a feeling is and how much adult support they need.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

A shared intensity scale helps children communicate how strong a feeling is and how much adult support they need.
LevelPlain-language labelTypical experienceSupport level
1Very mildThe feeling is present but easy to manageNotice it and continue
2MildSome body clues or distraction appearUse one simple coping skill
3ModerateThinking or behaviour is clearly affectedPause, name the need, and get support
4StrongThe child may lose flexibility or controlAdult co-regulation and reduced demands
5OverwhelmingThe child cannot stay organized or safeImmediate adult support and safety assessmentUrgent safety support
RisingMoving upwardVoice, movement, thoughts, or tension are increasingIntervene early before the peak
FallingComing downBreathing and thinking begin to settleKeep demands low and allow recovery
RecoveredReady to reflectThe child can listen, plan, and reconnectDiscuss triggers and repair after calm returns

Intensity describes strength, not whether a feeling is good or bad.

  • Use the same scale consistently at home, school, and therapy when possible.
  • A level 5 with danger, self-harm, or harm threats requires urgent help.
Download or export

Use body clues as early signals

A fast heart, tight muscles, tears, low energy, stomach discomfort, or difficulty speaking can accompany emotions. Check physical needs and health symptoms because the same clue can have many causes.

Body Clues That Can Accompany Feelings

Body awareness can help a child notice an emotion before behaviour escalates, but one body clue can have many causes.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

Body awareness can help a child notice an emotion before behaviour escalates, but one body clue can have many causes.
Body cluePossible feelingsCheck firstChild-friendly prompt
Fast heartbeatFear, worry, excitement, angerActivity, illness, caffeine, painIs your heart fast from excitement or worry?
Tight jaw or fistsAnger, frustration, stressPain, cold, physical effortWhat made your muscles tighten?
Butterflies or stomachacheWorry, excitement, sadnessHunger, illness, constipationWhat was happening when your stomach changed?
Heavy body or low energySadness, disappointment, exhaustionSleep, illness, nutritionDo you need comfort, rest, or help?
Hot face or sweatingAnger, embarrassment, fearHeat, exercise, feverDid something feel unfair, scary, or embarrassing?
TearsSadness, anger, relief, joy, overloadPain or eye irritationWhat are the tears trying to tell us?
Restless movementExcitement, anxiety, overload, boredomNeed for movement or sensory inputWould movement help your body settle?
Frozen or hard to speakFear, shame, overloadLanguage or communication needsYou can point, draw, or tell me later.Alternative communication is valid

Body clues support curiosity; they do not diagnose an emotion or medical condition.

  • Check physical needs and health symptoms before assuming a behaviour is emotional.
  • Some children notice internal body signals less clearly and may prefer pictures or choices.
Download or export

Match the chart to age and communication stage

Young children usually need a few simple faces and adult language. Older children can add mixed emotions, triggers, intensity, needs, and reflection. Pictures, signs, typing, drawing, and AAC are valid alternatives to speech.

Feelings Communication by Age and Stage

Emotional vocabulary and self-regulation develop gradually; adults continue to provide co-regulation even as children gain independence.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

Emotional vocabulary and self-regulation develop gradually; adults continue to provide co-regulation even as children gain independence.
Age or stageWhat may be realisticUseful chart formatAdult role
InfantsSignal comfort, distress, interest, and fatigue through behaviourCaregiver observation rather than self-ratingRespond consistently and regulate through voice, touch, and routine
Ages 2–3Choose between a few basic feeling words or picturesFour to six faces with simple labelsName feelings and keep limits short
Ages 4–5Connect feelings with events and simple coping choicesFaces plus body clues and two coping optionsCoach language and model repair
Ages 6–8Use more precise words and a 1–5 scaleEmotion families, intensity, and sentence stemsAsk curious questions without interrogation
Ages 9–12Describe mixed feelings, triggers, and consequencesLarger vocabulary and private check-inRespect privacy while monitoring safety
Ages 13–18Reflect on patterns, values, identity, and relationshipsIndependent journal or digital check-inCollaborate, listen, and seek care when functioning declines
Limited speechCommunicate through gesture, signs, devices, pictures, or behaviourVisual choices with accessible symbolsAccessible communication optionsAccept the communication method and avoid forcing speech
High stress or overloadTemporarily lose access to language or flexible thinkingOne-step visual supportReduce words, demands, and sensory load

Age ranges are broad guides; communication, culture, disability, and experience affect expression.

  • A chart should expand communication, not test or grade a child.
  • Never require eye contact or spoken language as proof that a child understands.
Download or export

Validate the feeling and limit unsafe behaviour

Emotion coaching does not mean approving every action. An adult can say, “It is okay to feel angry; hitting is not okay,” then help the child settle before solving the problem.

Emotion Coaching Steps for Caregivers

Emotion coaching validates the feeling while preserving clear boundaries around unsafe or harmful behaviour.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

Emotion coaching validates the feeling while preserving clear boundaries around unsafe or harmful behaviour.
StepCaregiver actionExample wordsAvoid
1. NoticeObserve voice, face, body, and contextI notice your hands are tight and your voice is loud.Assuming motive
2. Name tentativelyOffer a possible feeling without insistingI wonder if you feel frustrated.You are angry, end of story
3. ValidateShow that the feeling makes sense in contextIt is hard when plans change.Stop crying; it is not a big deal
4. Set safety limitsBlock harm and state the boundary calmlyIt is okay to be angry; hitting is not okay.Validate feeling and limit behaviourShaming the feeling
5. Co-regulateUse calm presence, fewer words, and a suitable strategyLet us breathe or take space together.Demanding an explanation at the peak
6. Identify the needAsk what support would helpDo you want comfort, space, or help fixing it?Offering too many choices
7. Problem-solveMake a small plan after calm returnsWhat could we try next time?Lecturing
8. Repair and reconnectAddress harm and restore the relationshipHow can we make this right?Forced apologies before regulation

Validation means accepting the emotional experience, not approving every action.

  • Adults can model the same sequence with their own feelings.
  • Shorter language works better during high intensity.
Download or export

Regulate before problem-solving

Movement, quiet space, grounding, comfort, reduced sensory load, or a trusted adult can lower intensity. Practice several options when calm because one coping skill will not suit every child or situation.

Coping Skills Matched to Emotional State

The best strategy depends on the feeling, intensity, environment, and child; no single technique works every time.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

The best strategy depends on the feeling, intensity, environment, and child; no single technique works every time.
StateRegulate the bodyCommunicate or connectThen solve
WorriedSlow exhale, grounding, steady movementTell a trusted adult or write the worryChoose one controllable step
AngryCreate distance, release muscle tension, safe movementUse an I feel statement after calmSet a boundary or make repair
SadRest, cry safely, use comfort or musicSeek company or share the lossPlan one gentle activity
FrustratedPause and reset posture or breathingAsk for one specific kind of helpBreak the task into smaller parts
ScaredMove toward safety and orient to the roomName the danger or uncertaintyCheck facts with a trusted adult
LonelyUse comforting sensory input or movementSend a message or join a structured activityPlan a repeatable connection
OverstimulatedReduce noise, light, language, and demandsUse a visual or signal for a breakReturn gradually when ready
ExcitedChannel energy through movement or a taskShare the excitement appropriatelyPlan for transitions and waiting
EmbarrassedSlow down and use kind self-talkTalk privately with a trusted personRepair only what actually needs repair
OverwhelmedStop nonessential demands and co-regulateReduce demands and co-regulateAsk an adult to help prioritizeChoose one next action after recovery

Regulation strategies are educational options, not treatment prescriptions.

  • Practice coping skills when calm so they are easier to access under stress.
  • Do not use breathing exercises if they increase panic or distress; choose another grounding method.
Download or export

Feelings check-in guide

Choose a feeling, intensity, body clue, and preferred support. The guide creates a short regulation plan and communication sentence.

Turn a feeling into a clear request

Sentence stems reduce language demands: “I feel ___,” “It is ___ out of 5,” “My body feels ___,” and “I need ___.” Adults should respond before demanding perfect wording.

Feelings Sentence Stems for Children and Teens

Short sentence frames reduce the language load and help turn emotion into a clear request.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

Short sentence frames reduce the language load and help turn emotion into a clear request.
PurposeShort sentence stemExpanded sentence stemAdult response
Name emotionI feel ___.I feel ___ because ___.Thank you for telling me.
Rate intensityIt is ___ out of 5.My feeling is at ___ out of 5 and rising/falling.Let us match support to that level.
Share body clueMy body feels ___.I notice ___ in my body.That clue can help us act early.
Ask for spaceI need a break.I need ___ minutes in a safe quiet place.We will reconnect after the break.
Ask for helpPlease help me.I need help with the first step.Tell me which part feels hardest.
Set a boundaryPlease stop.I do not like ___. Please stop.I will help keep the boundary safe.
Seek connectionStay with me.I do not need advice yet; I need company.I can stay and listen.
RepairI want to fix it.I am sorry for ___. I can repair it by ___.Let us choose a realistic repair.
Report dangerI do not feel safe.I might hurt myself/someone or cannot stay safe.I will stay with you and get urgent help.Urgent adult response

Children may point to, type, sign, draw, or select a sentence instead of speaking it.

  • Do not require a perfectly worded statement before offering support.
  • Treat statements about self-harm or harm to others as safety information, not misbehaviour.
Download or export

Keep check-ins brief, predictable, and private

A short daily record can reveal patterns in triggers, body clues, coping strategies, sleep, school, and relationships. The chart should never become punishment, surveillance, or a public behaviour score.

Daily Feelings Check-In Chart

A brief check-in can reveal patterns without turning every emotion into a long discussion.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

A brief check-in can reveal patterns without turning every emotion into a long discussion.
Check-in itemQuestionRecord optionHow to use the pattern
FeelingWhat feeling fits best right now?Word, face, colour, gesture, or drawingLook for repeated states rather than one entry
IntensityHow strong is it from 1 to 5?Number, fingers, blocks, or thermometerNotice rising or falling patterns
Body clueWhere do you notice it?Body outline or short phraseIdentify early warning signs
Trigger or contextWhat happened before it?Event, person, demand, transition, or unknownFind predictable stress points
NeedWhat would help right now?Comfort, space, movement, help, food, restRespond to needs before lecturing
StrategyWhat did you try?One coping actionCompare strategies over time
OutcomeDid the intensity change?Lower, same, higherKeep useful strategies and revise others
FunctioningDid it affect sleep, school, play, or relationships?Yes/no plus short notePersistent impairment warrants professional discussion
SafetyCan everyone stay safe?Safe, needs adult support, immediate dangerEscalate immediately when safety is uncertainImmediate safety escalation

Keep entries brief and private; do not use the chart as punishment, surveillance, or public behaviour scoring.

  • A pattern across days is usually more informative than one difficult moment.
  • Respect a child’s privacy while maintaining appropriate safety monitoring.
Download or export

Know when everyday support is not enough

Occasional fear, sadness, anger, and worry are common. The CDC child mental-health guidance explains that severe, persistent symptoms that interfere with home, school, or play deserve assessment. The SAMHSA caregiver warning-sign guide identifies self-harm risk and severe loss of control as urgent concerns.

Emotional Warning Signs and Next Actions

Frequency, severity, duration, developmental context, and impact on daily life determine whether a pattern needs routine, prompt, or urgent help.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

Frequency, severity, duration, developmental context, and impact on daily life determine whether a pattern needs routine, prompt, or urgent help.
PatternWhy it mattersSuggested actionUrgency
Occasional strong feeling after a clear eventNormal emotions can be intense and temporarySupport, monitor, and teach copingRoutine
Symptoms persist and disrupt school, home, play, sleep, or relationshipsFunctional impairment may signal a mental-health concernDiscuss with pediatrician or qualified mental-health professionalPrompt
Very sad, withdrawn, or unusually irritable for more than two weeksA sustained change warrants assessmentArrange professional evaluationPrompt
Frequent panic-like episodes or overwhelming fearSevere anxiety can impair functioning and safetySeek timely clinical assessmentPrompt
Severe out-of-control behaviour that could cause injuryThe child or others may be unsafeGet immediate adult and professional helpUrgent
Talk of self-harm, suicide, killing, or having no reason to liveStatements may indicate immediate riskStay with the child and contact emergency or crisis servicesEmergencyEmergency response
Self-harm behaviour or preparations for harmPhysical safety is at riskRemove access to hazards and obtain emergency helpEmergency
Psychosis-like symptoms, extreme confusion, or inability to recognize realityThe child may need urgent medical assessmentContact emergency medical servicesEmergency
Immediate danger, serious injury, overdose, or inability to wakeLife-threatening emergencyCall local emergency services nowEmergency

This chart cannot assess or diagnose risk. When in doubt about immediate safety, seek urgent professional help.

  • Stay calm, listen directly, and take safety statements seriously.
  • Do not leave a child alone when immediate self-harm or violence risk is present.
Download or export

Common feelings-chart mistakes

Avoid good-versus-bad labels, forced speech, public emotional scoring, excessive questioning, immediate lectures, and using calmness as the only acceptable state. Adapt the tool to communication, sensory, cultural, and privacy needs.

Common Feelings Chart Mistakes and Better Alternatives

A feelings chart should support communication and regulation rather than compliance, diagnosis, or public behaviour control.

Swipe horizontally inside the table to view every column.

A feelings chart should support communication and regulation rather than compliance, diagnosis, or public behaviour control.
MistakeWhy it failsBetter approachAdaptation
Labeling feelings as good or badChildren may hide disapproved emotionsTreat feelings as information and actions as choicesUse comfortable/uncomfortable or low/high energy
Forcing one exact emotion wordFeelings can be mixed or uncertainOffer possibilities and allow “not sure”Use pictures, colours, or body clues
Using the chart only during meltdownsThe skill is unavailable without calm practicePractice briefly during neutral momentsAdd it to a predictable routine
Demanding speech or eye contactThis can increase overload and exclude communication differencesAccept pointing, signing, typing, or drawingUse AAC-compatible visuals
Problem-solving before regulationHigh arousal reduces flexible thinkingRegulate first and reflect laterRegulate before problem-solvingUse fewer words and lower demands
Publicly displaying private emotionsIt can cause shame or peer exposureKeep individual check-ins privateUse anonymous group climate checks
Treating every strong feeling as misbehaviourThe underlying need stays hiddenSeparate emotion, behaviour, and safetyValidate feeling while limiting harm
Using a colour zone as a moral gradeChildren may believe calm is the only acceptable stateDescribe energy and support needs without judgmentAvoid reward loss for emotional state
Assuming a chart replaces professional carePersistent impairment or danger needs assessmentUse the chart to document and communicate patternsShare concise observations with clinicians or school staff

Adapt language, symbols, sensory load, privacy, and expectations to the individual child.

  • Cultural norms influence how emotions are named and displayed.
  • A child should never lose safety, dignity, food, rest, or connection because of a chart result.
Download or export

Frequently asked questions

What is a feelings chart?

A feelings chart is a visual tool that helps a child identify an emotion, notice its intensity and body clues, communicate a need, and choose a safe coping response.

At what age can a child use a feelings chart?

Many children can begin choosing between a few simple feeling faces around ages 2 to 3, while infants rely on caregiver observation and older children can use more detailed vocabulary.

How many emotions should a preschool feelings chart include?

Start with about four to six clear emotions, such as happy, sad, angry, scared, calm, and excited, then expand as the child becomes comfortable.

Are anger and sadness bad feelings?

No. Anger and sadness are normal emotions; the goal is to understand them and keep behaviour safe.

What should an adult say when a child is angry?

Name the possible feeling, validate the situation, set a safety limit, and help the child regulate before discussing solutions.

Why does my child say “I do not know”?

The child may be overwhelmed, unsure, tired, afraid of judgment, or still developing internal-body awareness and emotional vocabulary.

Can a child feel two emotions at once?

Yes. A child can feel excited and worried, angry and hurt, or proud and embarrassed at the same time.

Should I make my child use the chart during a meltdown?

Do not force detailed labeling at peak distress. Use a simple choice or safety cue, then return to the chart after the child is calmer.

What is co-regulation?

Co-regulation is an adult helping a child settle through calm presence, predictable limits, reduced demands, and appropriate sensory or coping support.

Does validating a feeling reward bad behaviour?

No. Validation acknowledges the emotional experience while the adult still blocks hitting, threats, destruction, or other unsafe actions.

Can non-speaking children use a feelings chart?

Yes. A child can point, look, sign, type, use an AAC device, select a picture, or show a body clue instead of speaking.

How often should families use a feelings chart?

Brief predictable check-ins once or twice daily can build familiarity, while extra use should remain supportive rather than intrusive.

When should strong emotions be discussed with a professional?

Seek professional advice when emotional or behavioural symptoms are severe, persistent, developmentally unusual, or interfere with school, home, sleep, play, or relationships.

What should I do if a child talks about self-harm or suicide?

Take the statement seriously, stay with the child, reduce access to hazards, and contact local emergency or crisis services for immediate guidance.

Can a feelings chart diagnose anxiety, depression, ADHD, or autism?

No. A feelings chart can document patterns and support communication, but it cannot diagnose a mental-health or developmental condition.

Should a school display each child’s feelings publicly?

Individual emotional check-ins should usually remain private; public displays can create shame, pressure, or unwanted disclosure.

Sources

These pediatric, public-health, mental-health, and child-communication references support the emotion-coaching, regulation, accessibility, warning-sign, and help-seeking guidance used on this page.

American Academy of PediatricsHelping Little People Manage Big Feelings

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/helping-little-people-manage-big-feelings.aspx

Describes emotion coaching as noticing, naming, acknowledging, and responding to a child’s emotional needs.

American Academy of PediatricsHealthy Mental and Emotional Development in Children

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/healthy-mental-and-emotional-development-in-children-key-building-blocks.aspx

Explains how warm relationships, emotional understanding, routines, play, and support help children build resilience.

American Academy of PediatricsPlay Activities to Help Children Manage Emotions

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/play-ideas-to-help-your-child-manage-emotions.aspx

Offers child-friendly play, art, movement, and labeling activities that support emotional awareness and regulation.

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAbout Children’s Mental Health

https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/about/index.html

Explains that occasional fears and worries are common, while severe, persistent symptoms that interfere with life warrant assessment.

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAbout Mental Health

https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html

Describes childhood and adolescence as periods for learning emotional milestones, social skills, and healthy coping.

National Health ServiceTalking to Your Child About Feelings

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/talk-to-children-about-feelings/

Recommends noticing behaviour, using calm observations, listening without pressure, and choosing appropriate moments to talk.

National Health ServiceHelping Your Child with Anger Issues

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-with-anger-issues/

Provides practical support for recognizing triggers, using movement, and seeking help when anger becomes harmful or persistent.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationFor Parents and Caregivers of Children

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk/parents-and-caregivers

Lists warning signs that merit prompt or urgent professional support, including prolonged withdrawal, severe out-of-control behaviour, and self-harm risk.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationWarning Signs of Suicide

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs

Identifies youth warning signs such as hopelessness, overwhelming distress, withdrawal, sleep changes, and unusual agitation.

NHS Children’s ServicesEmotional Regulation

https://bedslutonchildrenshealth.nhs.uk/services/bedfordshire-and-luton-childrens-speech-and-language-therapy-service/supporting-social-communication-and-interaction/emotional-regulation/

Describes visual supports, adult co-regulation, body-signal observation, and coping choices for children who need communication support.