Understanding Behavior & Emotional Regulation Accommodations

Behavior and emotional regulation accommodations help students manage their emotions and behavior so they can participate in learning. These accommodations recognize that behavior is communication, and that students with disabilities may need additional support to meet behavioral expectations.

Accommodations may include a calm-down space, a behavior chart with positive reinforcement, access to a counselor or trusted adult, sensory breaks, and clear behavioral expectations with visual reminders. Some students benefit from a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) developed from a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).

If your child is struggling with behavior at school, request an FBA before the team jumps to consequences. Federal law requires schools to consider whether behavior is related to the disability. Accommodations that address the root cause (anxiety, sensory overload, frustration) are more effective than punishment.