The Zones of Regulation® program is a framework designed to teach children emotional regulation, self-control, and sensory management skills by categorizing emotions and states of alertness into four color-coded “zones.” The Blue Zone represents low energy states such as feeling tired, sad, or bored. The Green Zone indicates a calm, focused, and optimal state for learning and socializing. The Yellow Zone signals heightened alertness or mild stress, such as feeling anxious, frustrated, or silly. The Red Zone represents intense emotions like anger, fear, or extreme excitement. The idea is that we all go into each of the zones regularly, but how do we manage those feelings to be able to do all of our many “jobs” throughout the day?

This program is widely used in OT to help children better understand their feelings and reactions, develop coping strategies, and improve their ability to manage all the zones. Through interactive lessons, activities, and visual supports, children learn to identify their zones and use tools such as sensory activities, deep breathing, or movement to regulate themselves.

The Zones of Regulation program is especially helpful for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, or other self-regulation challenges, but it can be beneficial for any child. It is often integrated into therapy sessions and reinforced at home and school to create a consistent and supportive framework. The program helps children gain emotional awareness, improve decision-making, and develop the ability to self-regulate in a variety of environments, leading to greater independence and success in daily life. Children come away with a literal or figurative “toolbox” of tools they can use to self-regulate!