Understanding in Motion: Supporting Autistic Regulation, Communication & Connection with Compassion

This printable Autism support toolkit moves beyond behaviour charts and compliance-based models to explore what children are really communicating through their actions, body language, and sensory responses. It helps you recognise that behaviour is communication — an expression of nervous-system needs, safety, and trust — and offers practical ways to respond that honour autonomy rather than demand conformity.

Inside this Autistic-led resource, you’ll find:
✅ Printable co-regulation prompts to support emotional safety and connection.
✅ A detailed Regulation Map for recognising states of stress, shutdown, or overwhelm.
✅ The Needs Behind Behaviour Wheel to help identify unmet needs driving a child’s responses.
✅ An Adult Reflection Sheet for examining your own interpretations and emotional triggers.
✅ A Say This Instead language guide that replaces control-based directives with affirming, connection-focused alternatives.

Each page is rooted in Autistic insight and trauma-informed practice, giving you tools to create classrooms, homes, and therapy spaces where regulation and belonging come before correction.

Whether you’re looking for an Autism classroom toolkit, a reflective teacher training resource, or simply a way to communicate more respectfully with Autistic children, Understanding in Motion offers a clear, compassionate path forward.

Written by Autistic educators at AUsome Training — Ireland’s leading provider of neuro-affirming Autism training and resources — this guide brings together lived experience, practical strategies, and a deep understanding of the Autistic mind-body connection.

🌿 Who it’s for

• Teachers and SNAs seeking Autism-affirming classroom strategies

• Therapists and counsellors supporting Autistic emotional regulation

• Parents and carers wanting connection-based communication tools

• School leaders building inclusive, trauma-informed environments

✨ Why it matters

When we understand regulation and communication through an Autistic lens, we stop trying to manage behaviour and start nurturing connection.
Understanding in Motion invites you to listen differently, respond gently, and build relationships where every child feels safe to be fully themselves.