Social Problem Solving

Friends

100

You have plans with two different friends on the same day in different places. What would you do?

 Reschedule  with one of your friends

 Ask if the two are willing to hang out together

200

You feel left out when friends are making plans without including you. What are some ways you could handle this?

• “Hey, I’d like to join next time if that’s okay.”

• Ask directly: “Are you planning something I could be part of?”

• Decide to suggest your own activity another time.

300

A friend is having problems at home and has started hanging out with people who like to cause trouble. What should you do?

1. Talk to your friend about and ask what is going on with them.

2. Go to a trusted adult to let them know what's going on.

400

You and your best friend have always had similar interests. Lately, your best friend has stopped being interested in the things you like to do. What would you do?

Ask your best friend what is going on

Ask your best friend - what would you like to do

500

Your friends are talking about a topic, show, or game you’re unfamiliar with. What could you do?

• “I’m not familiar with that—what is it about?”

• Listen quietly and ask questions to learn more.

• Change the topic if you feel left out: “What else have you all been up to?”

Family

100

You want to go out with your cousin tonight to see a movie but Mom wants you to stay home for family game night. What would you do?

1. See if you can do both 

2. Spend time with your family

3. Ask your cousin if we can go out another time

200

You had a fight with your Dad and you know that you are wrong. What would you do?

Say sorry

300

Someone at home uses your belongings without asking. What are some ways you could respond?

• “Please ask me next time before using my things.”

• Put your items in a designated space to make boundaries clearer.

• Talk later when things are calm: “I feel uncomfortable when my things are used without asking.”

400

Someone at home is upset and their tone feels harsh toward you, even if it’s not about you. What are some ways you could respond?

• Stay calm and give them space: “I’ll talk to you later when things are calmer.”

• Ask if they need help: “Do you want me to do anything right now?”

• Step away briefly if you feel overwhelmed.

500

You are supposed to be home from your friend's house by 10pm but you lost track of time and it is now 10:30 pm. What would you do?

Call or text your parents and let them know you are on your way and that you lost track of the time

Community

100

You’re waiting in line at a grocery store, and someone walks in front of you and stands at the checkout before you. What are 2–3 ways you could respond?

• “Excuse me, I think the line starts back there. I was next.”

• Quietly wait and decide if it’s worth speaking to the cashier if the person doesn’t move.

• Ask the cashier, “Can you help me understand who is next in line?”

200

You receive a message from a community club saying, “Meeting moved—see you later!” but it doesn’t say when or where. What could you do?

• Reply asking for clarification: “Hi, can you confirm the new time and location?”

• Check previous messages or the group page for updates.

• Ask another member directly if you know someone from the group.

300

A neighbor starts talking to you quickly about something you don’t fully understand. What are some ways you can handle this?

• “Sorry, could you say that more slowly?”

• “Can you explain that again in a different way?”

• Repeat back what you did understand: “So you’re saying the package might arrive tomorrow?”

400

You’re in a busy community event (like a fair or library event) and start feeling overwhelmed. What are some steps you can take?

• Step outside or find a quieter area for a break.

• Use headphones or a sensory tool if available.

• Tell a trusted person: “I need a short break, I’ll be back soon.”

500

You’re in a community space and a group of people are talking. You want to join but aren’t sure how. What could you do?  

• Wait for a pause and say, “Can I join in?” or "What are you guys talking about?"
• Start with a related comment or question about the topic.
• Stand nearby and listen first, then enter when you feel ready.

Work

100

You want to go out to the movies tonight at 8:15 but your job shift doesn't finish until 8:30. What should you do?

1. Go to the movie another day or time when you don't have to work.

2. Don't go to the movies because you will be late.

200

After the boss leaves, your coworker sneaks out early from work, leaving you to clean up each day. What would you do?

1. Talk to the coworker about what he or she is doing

2. Talk to the boss

300

You left on time from your house to go to work. The trains are delayed and now you are going to be late to work. What should you do?

Call your boss and tell them that the trains are delayed and that you will be late to work.

400

You are allowed to leave early tonight if there are only 3 customers left in the store at 7 pm. At 6:59 pm, 6 people enter the store. What would you do?

stay at work and help the customers

500

Your supervisor gives you two instructions at once, and you’re not sure which to do first. What could you do?

• “Which task should I start with first?”

• Repeat instructions back to confirm: “So I should do A before B, right?”

• Write both tasks down and prioritize based on urgency or deadline.

Random

100

You borrowed a friends phone to make a call but you accidentally dropped the phone in a puddle of water. Now it won't turn on. What would you do?

Offer to pay for the repair of your friends phone.

200

You found some really nice headphones sitting under a park bench. No one else is around. What would you do?

Turn them in to the police station.

Look for the owner.

Keep it.

300

You really want to get a pet but your parents are against it. How could you convince them?

1. Show how you would take care of a pet

2. Explain the benefits of having a pet

400

Someone in public stands too close behind you in line and it feels uncomfortable. What could you do?

• Take a small step forward or sideways to increase space.

• Politely say, “Could you give me a bit more space please?”

• Move to a different line if available.

500

A friend makes a joke that you don’t understand, and everyone laughs.What are some ways you could respond in the moment?

• “Wait, I didn’t get that—can someone explain it?”

• Laugh lightly even if unsure, then ask a friend privately later.

• Change the subject if you feel uncomfortable: “Anyway, did you see the game yesterday?”