Energy thermometer.

Evidence: The Alert Program (“How Does Your Engine Run?”) teaches children to identify their alertness level and use regulation strategies (Williams & Shellenberger, 1996). Body-signal-based self-regulation is a core component of Self-Reg (Shanker, 2012). Identifying energy level is considered a first step to self-regulation. A critical review of the programme (Gill et al., 2018) finds it promising, but with small studies of uneven quality.

Williams, M.S. & Shellenberger, S. (1996). Alert Program. TherapyWorks. · Shanker, S. (2012). Self-Reg. Penguin. · Gill, S., Thompson-Hodgetts, S. & Rasmussen, C. (2018). A critical review of research on the Alert Program. J. of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 11(2).

Level of evidence: C (widespread practice, without solid evidence). Basis: Alert Program (“How Does Your Engine Run?”): one review rates it as promising. Limits: Few studies, small and of uneven quality.