Body Clue Detectives
Your hands squeeze, your face feels hot, and your voice gets louder.
I may be getting angry or frustrated
Your hands are full of angry energy. Name one safe body job.
squeezing a pillow, pressing my palms together, using a stress ball, or pulling a resistance band
You need a short pause before answering.
“I need a minute”
Your stomach growls and feels empty.
You are hungry
The room is too loud and there is too much talking.
I can try changing the sensory input by finding quiet or asking for less talking
Someone is asking many questions very quickly.
“Please ask me one question at a time”
Several people are talking, your brain feels crowded, and answering questions becomes difficult.
sensory overload
Your brother says you cannot use his item right now. You feel disappointed and restless while waiting.
I can use a timer, choosing something else, or giving my body a safe job
Your brother says no, but you want to know when you may have a turn.
“Can I use it when you are finished?”
You do not know what emotion you are feeling, but you notice that you want to leave and cannot think clearly.
I can. notice a body clue even when I do not know the feeling yet
You have tried one coping tool, but your brain still feels crowded.
I can try using a different tool or asking for more, less, or different sensory input
Clover moves away when you want to pet her.
“I want to pet Clover, but Clover needs space right now”
Situation: Your brother says no, the room is loud, and you feel angry energy in your hands. Name one body clue, one coping tool, and one sentence you could use.
“My hands are squeezing. I can press my palms together and say, ‘I am frustrated. Can I have a turn when you are finished?’”
Mom is asking questions, your toe hurts, and the family needs to leave. Name two tools that could work together.
-asking for one question at a time and requesting help getting ready
- asking for quiet and moving more slowly
-saying what I need and changing the sensory input
You are overwhelmed and cannot identify what would help yet.
“I do not know what I need yet. Please give me time, choices, help, or quiet”