🧠 Managing Social Anxiety
1. “Calm Down Kit” for Transitions or
Overwhelm
Create a small kit she can carry or access in class, with:
- Fidget toy or squishy ball
- Laminated “calm-down” visuals
- A small photo book of happy memories or favorite people
- Visual step-by-step breathing guide
2. Practice “Brave Talk” Scripts
Prepare short, easy-to-remember phrases for situations that cause anxiety:
- “Hi, my name is ____.”
- “Can I play with you?”
- “No, thank you.”
- “Can you help me, please?”
- “Can I go to the bathroom, please?”
How to Practice:
Role-play these during playtime, in front of a mirror, or with a trusted family
member. Praise effort even if she just attempts the first word.
🗣️ Vocalizing Needs
1. Use “I Need…” or “I Feel…” Sentence
Starters
Place these on the wall, table, or on her AAC device.
|
Visual Prompt |
Example Phrases |
|
“I need…” |
“I need help,” “I need a break,” “I
need space” |
|
“I feel…” |
“I feel worried,” “I feel excited,”
“I feel mad” |
2. Communication Cards for When Speech
Feels Too Hard
Make or print simple cards she can hand to an adult:
- “I need help.”
- “I need a break.”
- “I want to be alone.”
- “I don’t know what to do.”
3. Empower Her to Make Choices
Offer frequent, low-stakes choices to practice expressing preference:
- “Do you want to wear the red or blue shirt?”
- “Would you like to sit here or there?”
- “Do you want a hug or space?”
Even if she gestures or points at
first, you can model the language:
“Oh, you picked the red shirt! You can
say, ‘I want red.’”
💪 Self-Advocacy Skills
1. Teach Her to Say “No” Respectfully
Children with anxiety often go along with things to avoid conflict. Practice
ways to say “no” or set boundaries:
- “No, thank you.”
- “I don’t want to play that right now.”
- “That makes me uncomfortable.”
Use dolls, pretend play, or storybooks to practice this in a safe way.
2. Give Her a “Help Button”
This can be a literal laminated card or symbol she can hand to someone or tap
on her AAC device when she needs support.
3. Teach Her About Body Signals and
Personal Space
Use a mirror or pictures to help her recognize when she feels overwhelmed
(e.g., clenched fists, tight chest, needing to fidget) — then link those to
self-advocacy:
“When your hands feel tight like that,
it might mean you need a break. You can say, ‘I need a break.’”
🏫 Collaborating with School and Public Settings
1. Practice Scripts for Asking Adults
for Help
Prepare and practice:
- “Can I talk to the teacher?”
- “I don’t understand.”
- “I need a break, please.”
2. Use Visual Schedules for New or
Stressful Events
Before a birthday party, school event, or doctor visit, walk her through what
will happen using visuals. Prepare “What can I do if I feel nervous?”
strategies.
📚 Book
Recommendations (for Kids & Parents)
- For Kids:
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (for
separation anxiety)
- What to Do When You Feel Too Shy by Claire A. B. Freeland
- Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
- My Mouth Is a Volcano by Julia Cook (for turn-taking,
self-control)
- For Parents:
- Helping Your Anxious Child by Ronald Rapee
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel
