Little Boosts

🌈 What is the purpose of the Little Boosts toolkit?

This toolkit helps children notice and choose small actions that bring comfort, movement, calm, or connection.
It gives them a speech‑optional way to express what might help their body or feelings in the moment — without pressure to explain or justify.
It also helps adults recognise these tiny but meaningful needs so they can respond with warmth, not urgency.

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⏳ When should I use this tool?

You can use it during wobbly moments, transitions, or as part of a daily rhythm.
It works beautifully when a child needs a small reset, a sensory anchor, or a gentle moment of connection.

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🫧 Does the child need to talk to use this tool?

No.
Children can point, choose, tap, or simply sit with the cards.
Silence is welcome.
The goal is to honour their needs, not require verbal explanations.

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🪶 How do I introduce the cards without adding pressure?

Offer the cards gently and let the child lead.
You might say, “You can choose one if you want,” or simply place them nearby.
Avoid turning it into a task — these boosts are invitations, not instructions.

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🔍 What do the interpretations mean?

Each interpretation offers a possible meaning behind the child’s choice.
They are not assumptions or diagnoses — just gentle starting points to help adults respond supportively.
The child’s lived experience always comes first.

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🤲 How should I respond when a child chooses a card?

Respond with presence, not analysis.
If they choose Comfort, offer softness.
If they choose Movement, make space for motion.
If they choose Calm, reduce stimulation.
If they choose Social, offer connection without pressure.
The goal is to meet the need, not question it.

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🌱 What if a child chooses a boost from a category I didn’t expect?

That’s completely valid.
Needs don’t follow rules — a child may need movement to settle, or comfort to reconnect.
Their choice simply shows what feels supportive in that moment.

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🌈 Can I use this tool with neurodivergent children?

Yes — it was created with autistic and ADHD children in mind.
The cards support sensory needs, emotional regulation, and non‑verbal communication.
They’re also helpful for any child who benefits from visual, gentle, low‑demand tools.

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🏫 Can this tool be used in schools, clinics, or therapy settings?

Absolutely.
It works well in classrooms, therapy rooms, waiting areas, and home environments.
It supports co‑regulation, sensory awareness, and child‑led communication across settings.

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🧩 What if a child chooses multiple cards?

That’s completely valid.
Needs are layered — a child may need comfort and movement, or calm and connection.
Multiple choices simply show a fuller picture of what supports them.

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🤝 How does this toolkit support co‑regulation?

Many boosts reflect a need for presence, softness, or gentle connection.
Adults can support co‑regulation by offering calm, predictable, non‑intrusive presence.
The toolkit helps adults recognise when connection — not conversation — is what the child needs.

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🛋️ What if the child chooses a boost that isn’t available right now?

Acknowledge the need warmly and offer the closest available option.
Children feel safer when their need is recognised, even if the exact support can’t happen immediately.