PDA Dysregulation Support Framework
3 part framework for supporting children with moments of dysregulation at home and school
Morning morning!
This month’s downloadable resource is something that is often requested by both families and professionals that I support, and I have finally pulled my socks up and pieced it together.
Moments of dysregulation in children with PDA can be intense, confusing, and scary for both the child and the adults supporting them. I know from personal experience that unless you are confident as to how to support a child effectively through these moments, it can feel like you’re lost in a mist.
So I’ve created a PDA Dysregulation Support Framework, designed to give clear, practical guidance for before, during, and after emotional dysregulation (often called meltdowns).
This resource is not about controlling the child — it’s about reducing overwhelm BEFORE dysregulation (in order to avoid it completely), supporting safety and autonomy DURING the difficult moments, and giving everyone involved a clear understanding of their role in co-regulating the child’s nervous system and how to support them AFTERWARDS.
Why this framework matters for PDA:
Children with PDA experience dysregulation in response to perceived pressure or loss of control. These moments can look very different depending on the child and the context:
Some externalise with shouting, running, hitting or throwing.
Others internalise, going quiet, shutting down, or masking distress.
This framework recognises that these responses are not misbehaviour, but signs of overwhelm, and that support should focus on safety, regulation, and relational connection.
What’s included in this month’s download?
The resource is a set of three colour-coded posters / handouts:
Yellow — Before dysregulation: Practical tips to notice early signs, co-regulate, and reduce triggers.
Red — During dysregulation: Steps to ensure safety, minimise pressure, and support autonomy.
Blue — After dysregulation: Recovery strategies to restore calm and connection for both child and adult.
It’s perfect for:
Home families managing PDA moments with multiple children.
Educational settings, from EYFS to KS2, to guide staff in supporting PDA children.
Multi-agency professionals, including SEND teams, therapists, and social care staff.
Training & planning resources, it can be printed as posters, kept in folders, or embedded into EHCP/support documents.
How to access it
This resource is accessible two different ways: the first is to paid subscribers. If you’re already a paid member… thank you! You’ll find the download link at the bottom of this post. The second way to access it is to buy it directly from our website.
If you’re not yet subscribed, now’s a great time to join. You’ll get:
Monthly themed children’s booklists (next month’s is already scheduled!)
Downloadable tools + visual supports like this one
Insightful, research-based and evidence-led, neurodiversity-affirming articles
1:1 personalised support for families of SEND, neurodiverse or trauma affected children
A growing community of like-minded parents and professionals
All written from lived experience… no fluff, no pressure, just honest, grounded, human help.
Thanks again…
Supporting a child through dysregulation can be exhausting, but it’s also an opportunity to teach connection, regulation, and trust. I hope this framework gives families and professionals the clarity and confidence to respond in a calm, prepared way — before, during, and after dysregulation.
With love,
SENDinMama
Download Below!
