# Trigger Stop — Sensory and Emotional Check-In > Visual communication tool for children to express emotions and sensations. (iPhone/iPad app by Julie Kurtz.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trigger-stop/id1471734140 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Julie Kurtz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1471734139) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.80/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.2 · 12 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2019-10-14 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trigger-stop/id1471734140/reviews.md ## What is Trigger Stop? When a young child is triggered, whether a trauma trigger or an emotional button is pushed, a child can become unregulated and even exhibit challenging behaviors. Adults can support children to express the sensations in their body (I have butterflies in my stomach) and the emotions they are having (I feel scared) by using this application. If the child is at a loss of words or is not verbal, they can express themselves with the APP features which are primarily visual images used to communicate their internal state. When a child has a trauma trigger, they can get transported unconsciously back in time and respond to a present moment as if they are reliving that dangerous situation. The trigger results in behaviors that look like Fight, Flight or Freeze. Helping support that child with a caring adult in the moment to regulate and communicate how they feel is important to healing and building resilience. The use of the APP supports sensory and emotional identification and literacy which is the ability to identify, understand, and express sensations and/or feelings in the body and to express them in a healthy way. Self-regulation and the ability to identify and communicate sensations and emotions may be difficult for a child when they are in fight, flight and freeze. With a trauma trigger it is common to lose the ability to communicate with words. Pointing or dragging sensory and feeling images to the body allow children another way to communicate to an adult how they feel without the use of words. This APP helps children identify and communicate sensations and emotions. Examples of a trigger resulting in Fight, Flight or Freeze: Fight- Example of flights bay be hurting others, yelling, screaming, hurting self, destroying property, argues, throws tantrums. Flight- Examples of flight may be child hides, runs away, falls asleep in the middle of an activity, watches from a distance, covers face or ears, absorbed in their own thoughts. Freeze- Examples may be child is unresponsive, spaced out, not able to verbalize with words, withdrawn, repetitive behaviors or daydreaming. If a child is in Fight, Flight or Freeze mode in the moment resulting from a trauma history, they may be experiencing a terrifying memory from the past that was triggered in the present moment. They are unable to make sense of those feelings that rise up inside of their bodies and as a result the adult will see the child fighting, freezing or fleeing. A child who has a trauma trigger in the moment is usually scared or terrified and needs to feel safe by a caring and supportive adult. A caring, nurturing and responsive adult who has a relationship with the child could support them by introducing the sensations and feelings from this app and helping young child communicate during a fight, flight or freeze triggering event. Attuning to a child can help calm their arousal states and support their sensory system in regulating. This APP can also be used for children without a trauma history and is appropriate when a child is triggered by an emotional situation. ## Key features - Visual aids for emotional expression - Supports sensory identification - Facilitates self-regulation - Helps children communicate without words - Aids in understanding internal states ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trigger-stop/id1471734140/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Good *2022-10-30* more colors and faces please ### 4/5 — My kids love this app *2019-10-24* The kids play with this app and express themselves with the emojis without being pressured and asked how they feel. Very simple but effective tool. Thank u! **Developer response:** Thank you for your kind words and review of our APP to support young children’s sensory and emotional literacy. ## Frequently asked questions about Trigger Stop ### How does Trigger Stop help children communicate? Trigger Stop uses primarily visual images that children can point to or drag to their body to express sensations and emotions. This provides a non-verbal communication channel when words are difficult to access. ### Is Trigger Stop suitable for children with trauma? Yes, the app is specifically designed to support children who are experiencing distress from trauma triggers. It helps them communicate their internal state during challenging moments like fight, flight, or freeze responses. ### What is the learning methodology of Trigger Stop? Trigger Stop focuses on developing sensory and emotional identification and literacy. This is the ability to recognize, understand, and express bodily sensations and feelings in a healthy manner. ### How does Trigger Stop track progress? The app facilitates communication in the moment, allowing adults to better understand a child's needs. While it doesn't have a formal progress tracking system, consistent use can lead to improved emotional expression and regulation over time. ### Does Trigger Stop offer certifications? Trigger Stop is a tool for communication and support, not an educational program that offers certifications. Its primary goal is to assist children in expressing themselves and to help adults support them. ### What devices does Trigger Stop support? Trigger Stop is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible on a range of Apple mobile platforms. ### How often is Trigger Stop updated? The latest version of Trigger Stop is 1.3.6, and it was last updated on March 18, 2022. This indicates a moderate update frequency for the application. ### What is the age rating for Trigger Stop? Trigger Stop has an age rating of 4+, making it appropriate for children aged four and older. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.3.6 — 2022-03-18 Updated privacy policy URL. ### 1.3.5 — 2020-01-28 - Changed the app icon. - New feature: Drag faces onto the screen. Faces are now dragged onto the screen instead of tapping the face buttons. ### 1.3.4 — 2019-11-06 - Updated splash screen logo. - Updated user guide logos. ### 1.3.3 — 2019-10-31 Updated the app icon. ### 1.3.2 — 2019-10-19 Changed face image to be a circle instead of a square. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*