How Occupational Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation in Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for many children. For children with autism, the colder months often bring additional emotional and sensory challenges. Changes in routines, reduced outdoor play, heavier clothing, and disruptions to school breaks can make emotional regulation more challenging than usual.
At Achieve Autism Center in Burnsville, MN, families often notice increased frustration, emotional outbursts, or difficulty coping during the winter season. In this blog, we’ll explore why emotional regulation can be more challenging in winter, its impact on children with autism, and how occupational therapy for autism helps children feel calmer, more secure, and confident during seasonal changes.

Understanding Emotional Regulation in Children with Autism

Emotional regulation is a child’s ability to manage their feelings, reactions, and behaviors in everyday situations. For children with autism, emotional regulation is closely connected to sensory processing, communication skills, and predictable routines.

In our experience as occupational therapists, children with autism may struggle to calm themselves when overwhelmed, adjust to unexpected changes, express emotions appropriately, and transition between activities. These challenges are not behavioral choices—they are often linked to how a child’s nervous system responds to sensory input and environmental changes. Learn more about autism and emotional regulation from CDC autism resources.

Why Winter Can Increase Emotional Regulation Challenges

Winter introduces several changes that can disrupt a child’s sense of stability and comfort:

• Routine changes due to holidays, school breaks, and weather-related schedule disruptions
• Reduced physical movement, limiting natural opportunities for sensory regulation
• Sensory discomfort from bulky clothing, gloves, boots, and indoor heating
• Limited outdoor time, which many children rely on for movement and emotional release

When these factors combine, children with autism may feel overwhelmed more easily, leading to:

• Increased meltdowns
• Irritability or withdrawal
• Difficulty transitioning throughout the day

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Emotional Regulation in Winter

Parents may notice changes during the colder months, such as:

• Increased emotional outbursts or frustration
• Difficulty calming down after minor challenges
• Heightened sensitivity to noise, clothing, or indoor environments
• Changes in sleep patterns or daily routines
• Avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed

Recognizing these signs early allows families to provide supportive strategies before challenges intensify.

How Occupational Therapy for Autism Supports Emotional Regulation

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children participate successfully in daily life. When addressing emotional regulation, OT considers the whole child, including sensory needs, motor skills, emotional awareness, and daily routines.

At Achieve Autism Center, our occupational therapy services help children understand how their bodies respond to stress, develop calming and coping strategies, improve sensory regulation, and build flexibility with routines and transitions. By addressing the root causes of emotional dysregulation, OT helps children feel safer and more in control of their environment. Learn more from the American Occupational Therapy Association about occupational therapy best practices.

Winter Occupational Therapy Strategies for Autism 

Occupational therapists use individualized, play-based strategies to support emotional regulation, especially during seasonal changes. Common approaches include:

• Sensory-based calming activities (deep pressure, proprioceptive input)
• Indoor movement strategies to support regulation when outdoor play is limited
• Structured routines to create predictability during holiday and school schedule changes
• Emotional awareness activities to help children recognize and express feelings safely
  These strategies are tailored to each child’s unique needs and daily environment.

Supporting Emotional Regulation at Home During Winter

OT works best when strategies extend beyond therapy sessions. Families can support emotional regulation by:

• Keeping daily routines as consistent as possible
• Creating calming spaces at home
• Preparing children for transitions and schedule changes
• Encouraging movement breaks throughout the day

Our therapists work closely with caregivers to provide practical strategies that fit naturally into family life. 

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Emotional Regulation

With consistent OT support, children may experience:

• Improved ability to calm themselves
• Fewer emotional outbursts
• Better participation at home and school
• Increased independence and confidence

Over time, these skills help children navigate seasonal changes and everyday challenges with greater ease.

When to Consider Additional Support

If emotional regulation challenges begin interfering with daily routines, learning, or family life, seeking professional guidance can be helpful. Early and consistent support allows children to build skills before frustration becomes overwhelming.

An occupational therapy evaluation can help identify sensory, emotional, and developmental factors contributing to winter-related challenges. 

Conclusion

Winter can be a demanding season for children with autism, especially when emotional regulation is already challenging. With the right support, children can learn to manage stress, adapt to routine changes, and feel more confident in their daily lives.

Occupational therapy provides children with practical tools to navigate emotional challenges during winter and throughout the year.

FAQs

📞 Here to Support Your Child’s Growth and Development Through Occupational Therapy

At Achieve Autism Center, we provide child-centered occupational therapy services designed to support children with autism at every stage of development. From comprehensive evaluations to individualized therapy and practical daily-life strategies, our experienced occupational therapists work closely with families to help children build independence, strengthen sensory regulation, and develop essential life skills. Whether your child needs early support or ongoing occupational therapy, we’re here to deliver compassionate, personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

🌟 Our Autism Therapy Services
We offer a full range of evidence-based services to support autistic children and their families:

• Comprehensive Multi-Divisional Evaluation
• ABA Therapy Services
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Family & Caregiver Training
• In-Home Autism Services

Each service is designed to work together to create meaningful, long-term progress for your child.

📅 Flexible Hours That Fit Your Family
We understand that therapy must fit into real family life. That’s why our center offers extended
hours to better support your schedule:

• Weekdays: 8 AM – 8 PM
• Weekends: 8 AM – 6 PM

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