The Alert Program

The Alert Program for self regulation is a wonderful tool for kids (and adults) who struggle with managing their own level of attention. Throughout the day, kids are expected to adjust to the school schedule. They have to jump into the morning bright and attentive, while still sitting quietly and listening to the teacher, then move into socializing at recess, then sit right back down, up and down, all day long. And the demands don’t end with the school day. Kids today have homework, classes, practices and activities. The pace alone can make it hard for any kid to manage, and it’s especially difficult for those kids with ADHD. (A lot of kids on the autism spectrum fall into this category as well, even if they don’t have an official ADHD diagnosis. 

The Alert Program was developed by Mary Sue Williams, OTR/L and Sherry Shellenberger, OTR/L to bring together ideas from sensory integration and present them in a way that’s concrete and easy for children to utilize. It was developed for kids, but has been adapted for teens and adults, and I find it useful for almost any age client. 

You can learn more about the Alert program from their website, or the book “How Does Your Engine Run?” : A Leader’s Guide to the Alert Program for Self-Regulation. ​

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