Emotional Balance Boards
The Vital Role of Emotional Balance Boards in Self-Regulation
In classrooms, clinics and homes, the ability to identify and manage internal states is a foundational skill for lifelong success. However, for many neurodivergent individuals—including those with Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders—the transition from “calm” to “overwhelmed” can happen faster than they can find the words to describe it. Emotional balance boards are designed to bridge this gap, providing a tangible, visual roadmap for emotional navigation.
By integrating emotional balance boards into a dedicated “calm-down corner” or therapy suite, you provide a non-verbal outlet for complex feelings. When a child is in a state of “fight or flight,” the language centers of the brain often become less accessible. A visual board allows them to point to how they feel (e.g., angry, frustrated, tired) and, more importantly, choose a functional coping strategy (e.g., take a breath, push the wall, listen to music) without the added stress of verbalizing.
- Improves emotional literacy
- Helps manages feelings
- Empowers children and adults to express their emotions
- Increases confidence and self-esteem
Promotes empathy and understanding
Encourages children and adults to recognize and respect others’ emotions
The Science of Visual Anchors for Co-Regulation
Co-regulation is the process where a caregiver or professional helps an individual return to a balanced state. Emotional balance boards serve as a “shared language” during these critical moments. Research shows that visual supports reduce the cognitive load required to process information during periods of dysregulation.
Our emotional balance boards utilize research-backed color coding and symbol systems like Boardmaker© and SymbolStix©. This consistency is key; when a child sees the same symbols on their emotional balance boards that they use for academic work or speech therapy, it builds a sense of familiarity and safety. These boards don’t just “monitor” emotions; they teach the user how to move through them, fostering a sense of autonomy and emotional intelligence.
Strategic Placement: Where to Install Emotional Balance Boards
To maximize the effectiveness of emotional balance boards, they should be placed in “pre-emptive” locations—places where a user can access them before reaching a point of total dysregulation.
The Sensory Room or Reset Space: This is the most common location. Having the board mounted at eye level allows the user to immediately identify their state upon entering the room.
The Classroom Doorway: This allows for “emotional check-ins” as students transition from the high-energy hallway into the focused classroom environment.
The Clinic Waiting Area: For many clients, the anxiety of waiting for an appointment can lead to dysregulation. A emotional balance board in the lobby helps them prepare for their session.
FAQ: Supporting Emotional Health with Visual Tools
How do emotional balance boards differ from standard feelings charts? Standard charts often only identify the emotion. Our emotional balance boards focus on the “What’s Next?” by providing actionable coping strategies alongside the emotional identifiers.
What material options are available for the emotional balance boards? To suit different environments and budgets, we offer these boards in three distinct formats:
Aluminum Alloy: Our most durable option, designed for permanent wall mounting in high-traffic areas, clinics, or outdoor spaces. It is scratch-resistant and virtually indestructible.
Coroplast: A lightweight, high-quality corrugated plastic. This is an excellent, cost-effective choice for classrooms or “calm-down corners” where the board may need to be moved or temporarily mounted.
Magnetic Tile Versions: Perfect for interactive use on metal surfaces or whiteboards. These allow for a more tactile experience where students can physically move markers to indicate their current emotional state.
Can I customize the icons or layout of the emotional balance boards? To ensure the highest quality and fastest shipping times, our emotional balance boards come in a standardized layout and vocabulary set. These layouts have been professionally curated by Speech-Language Pathologists to ensure they meet the needs of a wide range of neurodivergent individuals. By utilizing a fixed set of industry-standard symbols, we provide a consistent “language” that can be easily recognized by staff and students across different rooms or facilities.
Are these boards appropriate for all ages? Yes. While the symbols are clear and easy for children to understand, the design is professional and dignified enough for use in adult neuro-rehabilitation centers, group homes, and mental health facilities. Emotional regulation is a lifelong skill, and the visual support provided by our emotional balance boards is beneficial for anyone experiencing communication barriers during high-stress moments.
Printed on Coroplast or as a Magnet
Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic)
$200
- Coroplast print includes 2 panels and hinge – creates sandwich sign
- Available in 1 size: 18″x24″
- Standard Vocabulary and Layout
- Availalbe in Boardmaker or SymbolStix icon systems.
- Color code system available: Modified Fitzgerald or Gossens’
- Made to order
- Inventory: In Stock
- Coroplast Assembly Directions
Magnetic Tile
$200
- Magnet print measures 18″x24″
- Standard Vocabulary and Layout
- Availalbe in Boardmaker or SymbolStix icon systems.
- Color code system available: Modified Fitzgerald or Gossens’
- Made to order
- Inventory: In Stock
emo1824coro
emo1824mag
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Fostering Trust and Loyalty
In any business relationship, trust is paramount. Customers are more likely to stay loyal to a company that demonstrates transparency and genuine care for their well-being. By sharing cost savings, we show that our commitment isn’t just about selling a product but about ensuring accessibility and affordability.
When customers
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Aligning with Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with communication differences through affordable and effective resources. This vision is more than a statement; it’s a promise. Every decision we make—from product design to pricing—is guided by our dedication to this purpose.
Lowering prices
when costs decrease is a tangible way to honor this mission. It’s about staying true to our values and ensuring that our actions consistently align with our words. For us, it’s not just about delivering a product; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers.
While these Emotional Balance Boards focus on expressive and regulatory supports, you may also wish to explore our standard Communication Boards designed for playgrounds, pools, and inclusive settings