A gentle visual support resource designed to help children communicate their needs during moments of overwhelm, frustration, anxiety, sensory overload, or emotional dysregulation.
Children do not always have the words to explain when their thoughts, emotions, or surroundings begin to feel “too loud.” During these moments, communication can become difficult, and children may instead express distress through behaviour, withdrawal, frustration, shutdown, or emotional outbursts.
When Things Feel Too Loud was created to provide children with a calm, accessible, and emotionally safe way to show what they need; without pressure, shame, or overwhelming verbal demands.
Designed with emotional wellbeing, regulation, and neurodiversity-informed support in mind, this printable resource helps families create supportive moments of connection and understanding at home.
What’s Included
Visual Calm Support Board
A simple visual board designed to be displayed at home, such as on a fridge, wall, or calm corner area.
Children can use the board to:
communicate what they need
choose calming supports
identify helpful regulation strategies
reduce the pressure of verbal communication during difficult moments
The board has been intentionally designed using calm visuals, soft colours, and low-demand layouts to avoid sensory overload and encourage emotional safety.
Cut-Out Regulation & Support Cards
A collection of visual support cards that children can place onto the board to communicate their needs.
Cards include support options related to:
quiet and sensory breaks
movement and regulation
comfort and reassurance
communication needs
emotional overwhelm
space and connection
The cards can be:
Parent & Caregiver Guidance Sheet
An easy-to-understand information page explaining:
why children experience overwhelm
how emotional regulation develops
how to use the resource supportively
links to emotional literacy and the Zones of Regulation® framework
practical co-regulation guidance for adults
The guidance focuses on understanding behaviour through a supportive and compassionate lens, helping adults respond with calm, connection, and predictability.
A gentle visual support resource designed to help children communicate their needs during moments of overwhelm, frustration, anxiety, sensory overload, or emotional dysregulation.
Children do not always have the words to explain when their thoughts, emotions, or surroundings begin to feel “too loud.” During these moments, communication can become difficult, and children may instead express distress through behaviour, withdrawal, frustration, shutdown, or emotional outbursts.
When Things Feel Too Loud was created to provide children with a calm, accessible, and emotionally safe way to show what they need; without pressure, shame, or overwhelming verbal demands.
Designed with emotional wellbeing, regulation, and neurodiversity-informed support in mind, this printable resource helps families create supportive moments of connection and understanding at home.
What’s Included
Visual Calm Support Board
A simple visual board designed to be displayed at home, such as on a fridge, wall, or calm corner area.
Children can use the board to:
communicate what they need
choose calming supports
identify helpful regulation strategies
reduce the pressure of verbal communication during difficult moments
The board has been intentionally designed using calm visuals, soft colours, and low-demand layouts to avoid sensory overload and encourage emotional safety.
Cut-Out Regulation & Support Cards
A collection of visual support cards that children can place onto the board to communicate their needs.
Cards include support options related to:
quiet and sensory breaks
movement and regulation
comfort and reassurance
communication needs
emotional overwhelm
space and connection
The cards can be:
Parent & Caregiver Guidance Sheet
An easy-to-understand information page explaining:
why children experience overwhelm
how emotional regulation develops
how to use the resource supportively
links to emotional literacy and the Zones of Regulation® framework
practical co-regulation guidance for adults
The guidance focuses on understanding behaviour through a supportive and compassionate lens, helping adults respond with calm, connection, and predictability.
