From Dysregulation to Ready to Learn: the Importance of Regulation in the Classroom

“Dysregulation to Ready to Learn”, equips educators with practical strategies and tools to support neurodiverse learners in the classroom. Participants will explore the underlying causes of dysregulation, including sensory, emotional, and environmental factors, and learn how these impact student behavior and engagement. Educators will gain hands-on experience with tools such as visual supports, regulation strategies, and structured routines that help students build self-awareness and self-regulation skills. By reframing behavior as communication, participants will leave with actionable techniques to reduce challenging behaviors, increase instructional time, and foster inclusive classrooms where all students are supported and ready to learn.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this conference presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how dysregulation impacts behavior, engagement, and learning in neurodiverse students.
2. Recognize key indicators and triggers of dysregulation within the classroom setting.
3. Apply practical, evidence-based behavior strategies to support students in returning to a ready-to-learn state.
4. Utilize tools such as visual supports, sensory strategies, and structured routines to promote regulation.
5. Interpret student behavior as communication and select appropriate, supportive responses.
6. Identify ways to create inclusive, predictable classroom environments that meet diverse needs.
7. Commit to at least one actionable strategy to implement in their own educational setting.