Emotion Expedition

Sensory Shield

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Sensory Overload

Too much noise, light, or commotion.

Body Clues:

• Covering ears/eyes, dizzy buzzy brain

• Urge to hide, run away, or shut down

Helpful tool: Noise headphones, dimmed lights, break pass.

Emotion Expedition • Psychoeducation Cards Color Zones & Body Clues Framework

Action Cards • Deck 2: Calming Rehearsal & Scenarios

Cut along dashed lines

Calming Practice Breathing

Five-Finger Star Breath

Hold up one hand like an open star. Take your other pointer finger:

• Trace UP finger: Breathe IN through nose.

• Pause at tip: Hold 1 second.

• Trace DOWN finger: Breathe OUT slowly.

ACTION: Try 3 fingers right now!

Calming Practice Proprioception

Heavy Work Body Reset

Firm muscle pressure tells your brain you are safe.

• Wall Push: Plant palms flat on wall and push hard for 5 seconds.

• Chair Lift: Push hands on seat to lift bottom slightly.

ACTION: Do 3 wall or chair pushes now!

Calming Practice Sensory

Sensory Tool Pick

Which tool would soothe your nervous system right now?

🎧 Headphones 🧸 Squeeze Toy 💧 Cool Drink 🛋️ Cozy Corner

ACTION: Point to your #1 favorite tool!

Calming Practice Communication

Ask for Help Signal

When words feel stuck, practice using these quick words or signs:

• "I need a 2-minute break, please."

• "This is too loud / too fast."

• Flash a Break Card or give a thumbs-down sign.

ACTION: Practice saying or signing your break!

School Scenario Noisy Cafeteria

The cafeteria bells ring, chairs scrape loudly, and everyone is shouting. Your ears ache and you feel like running away.

1. What color zone is your body in?

2. Which school strategy could help?

(Put on headphones / Ask teacher to sit near edge / Take 3 deep breaths)

Solve with your co-pilot!

School Scenario Tough Worksheet

The teacher hands out a writing page. You don't know the first word. Your hands clench your pencil so hard it might snap!

1. What body clues show you're frustrated?

2. What can you do instead of crumpling it?

(Set pencil down / Open hands / Raise hand and say: "I need a hint")

Solve with your co-pilot!

Home Scenario Screen Time Stop

Your timer beeps: game time is over and dinner is ready. You feel a surge of heat and want to scream "NO! Not yet!"

1. What zone is this? (Red / Yellow)

2. What helps your body transition?

(Save your game / 3 wall push-ups / Ask for a 2-minute warning next time)

Solve with your co-pilot!

Home Scenario Bedtime Wiggles

The lights are out, but your legs want to kick, your brain is thinking about 10 different things, and you feel wide awake.

1. Are you low energy or high energy?

2. Which nighttime tool can help you settle?

(Heavy weighted blanket / Soft audio story / Slow box breathing)

Solve with your co-pilot!

Emotion Expedition • Psychoeducation Cards Strategy Rehearsal & Real-Life Carryover

Breathe OUT

Slow down: in 1-2-3-4, hold, out 1-2-3-4

Lazy 8 Infinity Loop

Trace the smooth continuous path

IN → ← OUT

Trace continuously without lifting your finger

Emotion Expedition • Calming Strategy Support Laminate for repeated finger tracing and dry-erase check-ins