MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Name: Sensory-based Coping Strategies to Support Emotional Regulation in Adolescents
Start: 2026-10-03T13:00:00-0500
End: 2026-10-03T14:00:00-0500

Welcome to MiOTA’s Fall Conference 2026!

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Sensory-based Coping Strategies to Support Emotional Regulation in Adolescents

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

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Background: Emotional regulation is an important executive function that helps individuals manage daily demands and respond to life challenges in an adaptive manner. Sensory-based strategies can be used to calm autonomic nervous system responses when in a state of dysregulation. This study aimed to explore the impact of a sensory-based coping strategies program on the development of emotional regulation skills in adolescents and young adults.
Method: A pre-test, post-test design was utilized to determine the feasibility and impact of a five-session sensory-based coping skills program on the development of emotional regulation skills. Seven adolescent participants were recruited. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes measures included a study-specific pre-/post-intervention survey, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation-Short Form (DERS-SF), and post-session feedback forms.
Results: The outcomes indicated improved emotional self-awareness and access to strategies to support self-management amongst adolescent participants. The results support the use of a multi-sensory, mind-body awareness-based program to enhance social-emotional health.
References
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Conti, L., Fantasia, S., Violi, M., Dell’Oste, V., Pedrinelli, V., & Carmassi, C. (2023). Emotional dysregulation and post-traumatic stress symptoms: Which interaction in adolescents and young adults? A systematic review. Brain Sciences, 13(12), 1730. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121730
Derigo, M., Russell-Thomas, D., & Berg, C. (2018). A trauma informed approach distinct to occupational therapy: The TIC-OT Model. AOTA Continuing Education.
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Eva, A. L., & Thayer, N. M. (2017). Learning to BREATHE: A pilot study of a mindfulness-based intervention to support marginalized youth. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(4), 580–591.
Fallot, R. D. & Harris, M. (2009). Creating cultures of trauma-informed care (CCTIC): A self-assessment and planning protocol. Community Connections. https://children.wi.gov/Documents/CCTICSelfAssessmentandPlanningProtocol0709.pdf
Holmqvist Larsson, K., Andersson, G., Stern, H., & Zetterqvist, M. (2020). Emotion regulation group skills training for adolescents and parents: A pilot study of an add-on treatment in a clinical setting. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 25(1), 141–155.
Joseph, R.Y., Casteleijn, D., van der Linde, J., & Franzsen, D. (2021). Sensory modulation dysfunction in child victims of trauma: A scoping review. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 14(4), 455–470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-020-00333-x
Konrad, K., Firk, C., & Uhlhaas, P. J. (2013). Brain development during adolescence: Neuroscientific insights into this developmental period. Dtsch Arztebl International, 110(25), 425-431. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2013.0425
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, February 28). Mental illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
Neal, A. M. (2021). Somatic interventions to improve self‐regulation in children and adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 34(3), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcap.12315
Pedrini, L., Meloni, S., Lanfredi, M., & Rossi, R. (2022). School‐based interventions to improve emotional regulation skills in adolescent students: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescence, 94(8), 1051– 1067. https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.12090
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Speakers

Susan Frisbie-Yu

Faculty Specialist I, Western Michigan University

Susan Frisbie-Yu has over 10 years of experience in clinical instruction and joined the faculty of Western Michigan University’s Occupational Therapy Department in a full-time capacity in 2025. Her clinical experience in outpatient and home/community-based practice has focused on... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Susan Frisbie-Yu

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