D is for Demand Reduction: Honoring Capacity Through a Low-Pressure Approach
Demand reduction is about creating space for safety and connection by easing the pressure—not removing expectations entirely, but softening the way we invite participation.
When we lower demands, we honor a child’s current capacity. We shift from “How do I get them to do this?” to “How can I meet them where they are?”
C is for Co-Regulation: How Caregivers Can Help Kids Manage Big Emotions
If you've ever told an overwhelmed child to “calm down” and it only made things worse, you’re not alone. For children, self-regulation—managing their emotions and reactions—doesn’t come naturally. That’s where co-regulation comes in.
Rather than expecting kids to handle big emotions alone, co-regulation is the process where caregivers model and provide emotional stability, helping children develop their own self-regulation skills over time.
A Neurodivergent Family's Guide to Halloween Fun
Halloween can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for many children, especially those who are neurodivergent. The bright lights, loud noises, crowded streets, and changes in routine are part of what makes the holiday fun, but they can also be sources of stress. Here at Valley Inclusive PlaySpace (vips), we know this firsthand—not only as an organization serving neurodivergent families but also as individuals living these experiences ourselves.