Self-Regulation Skills
What are Self-Regulation Skills ? The Davis Method Perspective
Self-Regulation is a set of skills many of us take for granted. For neurodivergent individuals, however, it can be one of the most challenging areas to develop and one of the most empowering when achieved. Self-regulation is the ability to manage energy levels, emotions, and behavioral reactions to what is happening to us, or around us, in the environment. From the Davis Method perspective, self-regulation isn’t about demanding someone conform to external standards. Instead, it is gently helping each person to develop a stable sense of internal and external control, builds confidence for being in the present moment, and establishes peace within their unique experiences and different environments. The Davis Method uses several tools to develop Self-Regulation skills. Today, we will unpack the tool of Orientation.
What is Orientation?
Orientation in the Davis Method is a focusing tool designed to help neurodivergent individuals develop a stable sense of self and manage their perceptions (what they are seeing, hearing, feeling, etc.) in relation to their environment. This technique greatly enhances one’s ability to maintain and regain a calm state of focus. This method was developed by Ron Davis as part of his holistic approach to support neurodivergent thinkers in achieving accurate perception, self-regulation skills, and focused attention.
In practice, Orientation teaches individuals to become aware of and adjust their orientation their inner sense of perception and spatial awareness—which helps them feel more connected to their bodies and the physical world around them. This process allows individuals to access a calmer, centered state where they can experience sensory inputs, thoughts, and emotions with greater clarity and control. When individuals learn to achieve and maintain this state of orientation, it can help reduce the sensory overwhelm, anxiety, and disorientations that are often experienced in new or challenging situations.
Disorientation Causes Confusion
Imagine a child who often feels overwhelmed by noise, movement, new experiences, or even the presence of other people. Using the tool of orientation, they learn to recognize and adjust their sensory experiences, allowing them to create calm in situations that may have once felt chaotic. This sense of self-regulation doesn’t come from external guidance alone, it’s a skill that grows from within and over time, allowing them to make choices that feel empowering and calming.
The skill of Orientation has many effects:
- Reduced Anxiety and Sensory Overload: By giving individuals tools to re-orientate themselves, orientation can help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and emotions. Many report feeling more calm, safe, and in control.
- Improved Focus and Engagement: When clients are able to achieve orientation, they often find it easier to concentrate, stay present, and engage with others in a more focused and meaningful way.
- Enhanced Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation: The tool of orientation nurtures self-awareness, helping clients tune into their own needs, emotions, and sensory experiences, which fosters greater self-regulation skills.
- Empowerment and Independence: As individuals learn to “orient” themselves, they gain a valuable skill that they can use independently, fostering a sense of control and autonomy that builds confidence and encourages personal growth.
Compassion on the Journey
Teaching self-regulations skills is a compassionate journey, supporting each individual at their own pace and according to their unique way of processing the world. By learning and utilizing self-regulation tools, neurodivergent individuals can experience the world in a way that feels calm, safe, and empowering, allowing them to access their strengths and engage more comfortably with the world around them. The heart of self-regulation in the Davis Method is about honoring and nurturing each person’s natural abilities, allowing them to build a foundation of inner peace, resilience, and self-trust. When individuals learn to self-regulate, they unlock a new level of independence and joy in their lives, creating a ripple effect of growth that touches everyone around them.
If you would like to know more about the Davis Method and Self-Regulation Skills, contact me.
Let’s walk this journey of discovery and growth together,
Mary Martin is a Cognitive Developmental Therapist, a Licensed Davis Autism Approach® and Davis Concepts For Life® Facilitator, helping neurodivergent children, teens, and their families live a life of purpose by developing their executive function and social-emotional skill sets.