What’s The EEA? Our Go To Framework for Meaningful Sessions

RegulationMindset & GrowthSensorimotor

Mar 18

Written By SUNRISE Therapies

A shot of two individual’s shoes standing in front of a quote saying “passion led us here”.

By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L

What is the EEA?

The EEA model is one of the core philosophies we use at SUNRISE Therapies. It stands for:

Expectation
Explanation
Affirmation

We keep this framework at the forefront of our minds every time we support a neurodivergent individual because we believe every session should be meaningful, fun, respectful, and rooted in presuming competence. Our sessions are backed by expertise and knowledge from our first-hand experience serving the neurodiverse community, and we want to share that knowledge with each individual and family that we serve.

The Power of Clear Expectations

Let’s start with the “E” that sets the tone: Expectation. As humans, we usually like to know what’s coming next. If you started a new job and weren’t given any expectations, you’d probably feel anxious, disconnected, unmotivated, or unsure, right? It’s no different for the kids and families we work with.

At SUNRISE, setting an expectation might include:

Sharing a visual or verbal schedule for the session (while staying flexible)
Clearly describing the end goal of an activity (“During these ball slams, I want you to concentrate on using force to push the ball down, rather than gravity”)
Clearly describing the sequence (“We’re going to try this activity first with passive sensory input, then we’ll transition to more active heavy work”)

This gives our clients the confidence of knowing what’s being asked of them and why it matters.

The Importance of Explanation

The second “E” is Explanation, and it’s where we love to geek out a little. This is the “why” behind the what. Why are we doing this movement? Why this game? Why this specific positioning? Offering a full explanation gives meaning and motivation to the person in front of us and helps caregivers and family members understand the therapeutic process as well. It’s also a chance for us, as OTs, to share what we’re seeing, sensing, and supporting in each moment. Because behind every activity, there’s deep clinical thinking, and we love sharing that with the families we serve.

Affirmation: Rewiring with Kindness

The final piece of the EEA model is Affirmation, and it’s a powerful one. Affirmations help reframe negative self-talk, support confidence, and promote a more regulated nervous system. And they aren’t just nice words; they actually rewire the brain, thanks to what we know about neuroplasticity. (BOOM)

“I can do hard things.”
“Here and now is where my power is.”
“I am focused on what I can control.”
“I have unlimited potential.”

And the list goes on! When our clients hear messages like this on repeat, they don’t just start to believe them; they are empowered to move and engage from that belief.

Why We Use the EEA Model

Because our work is rooted in presuming competence and creating authentic, supportive connections, we strive to make every session feel safe, clear, and motivating. Whether we’re building motor skills, supporting communication, or working through regulation, the EEA helps us achieve these goals.

Want to Go Deeper? Learn With Us!

If you can’t tell already, we are extremely passionate about the work that we do with the individuals and families we serve in every way! Our passion for this community is what led us to create the Foundations in Apraxic Autism course, built for therapists, caregivers, and anyone working with neurodivergent individuals.

This course is where we teach the how and why behind the work we do, and how to apply it to real-life therapy, coaching, and parenting.

Helpful Links

Was this post helpful or did it spark your curiosity? If you’re looking for deeper support, we’ve created a course and curated resources to help families, caregivers, and professionals better understand the motor and regulation challenges many nonspeaking and apraxic autistic individuals experience.

Online Course for Parents, Caregivers & Professionals:

Foundations in Apraxic Autism — an online course exploring the often-missed motor side of autism. Learn how motor planning, nervous system regulation, and the brain-body connection impact communication and daily life, along with practical ways to support the autistic individual in your life.

Explore Our Resource & Service Hub:

Explore our most trusted resources and favorite tools, or discover ongoing support options for families and professionals navigating autism, apraxia, and motor planning differences.