The Leader's Guide is the “whole enchilada” and contains everything needed to implement the Alert Program®: it explains the theory, along with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-implement activities. It was written to teach children how to identify and change how alert they feel, initially using the analogy of an engine. If a child is non-verbal or has special interests (such as a love of dinosaurs), instead of using the engine analogy, the program can be customized and easily adapted.

With its three stages and 12 “mile marker” steps, this evidence-based practice approach is ideal for those who have attention problems, autism, developmental delays, and/or other learning challenges.

The Alert Program® consists of a series of lessons and activities, that when incorporated with sensory processing techniques, has proven to be highly effective. The program has been adapted successfully for preschool through high school students and for adults.

The Leader’s Guide is a comprehensive gold mine of information for use in school, clinic, or home settings. It will provide everything you need to teach self-regulation with confidence, including:

• Overview of the underlying theory and concepts of sensory integration and self-regulation.
• Unique methods to teach other adults (teachers, parents, etc.) about the Alert Program® and the importance of self-regulation.
• Twelve detailed steps to teach independent self-regulation.
• Lots of low-budget activity ideas.
• Personal stories that clearly illustrate the program.
• All worksheets, charts, and pictures needed for the program (permission to copy Appendix pages is included).

The Leader’s Guide is intended for individuals who are familiar with sensory processing techniques. Those who are unfamiliar with this theory can implement the program with consultation from an occupational therapist trained in sensory processing. We recommend those not familiar with self-regulation concepts to begin by reading the Introductory Booklet and Take Five! book.

The Introductory Booklet is an excerpt from the first chapter of the Leader's Guide. This 24-page booklet provides the underlying theory and key concepts of the Alert Program® in an easy-to-read fashion. It can be shared with other parents, teachers and therapists who want to enhance students’ self-regulation. For example, parents use it as resource to share with their children’s teachers so school staff understand how the parents are teaching the Alert Program® concepts at home. Likewise, therapists share this booklet so parents understand what their children are learning in therapy sessions. And teachers appreciate this concise summary, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation for all learning.