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Teacher Facilitation Guide: Supporting ASD Transition
8th Grade | Special Education
Objective
The student will identify specific high school anxiety triggers and practice three concrete coping strategies: mindfulness, environment mapping, and self-advocacy.
Student Profile
8th Grade Male, ASD classification. Benefits from visual structure, concrete language, and predictable routines. May experience sensory overload in new environments.
Coping Focus
Role-playing social scenarios, mindfulness (Box Breathing), and environmental transition strategies (Visual Checklists).
Lesson Sequence
1
Visual Introduction (Slides)
Use the Navigator Presentation Slides to normalize anxious feelings. Use "First/Then" language: "First we look at the slides, then we do the worksheet."
2
Identify & Personalize (Worksheet)
Complete the Tactics Toolkit Worksheet . If the student struggles to generate ideas, provide a "Word Bank" or visual icons for common stressors (e.g., loud hallways, changing classes).
3
Active Practice (Role Play)
Use the Social Scenarios Cards . Model the scenario first (Teacher plays student), then have the student practice. Focus on the script: "Excuse me, I need help finding room 204."
4
Action Plan (Checklist)
Finish by co-creating the Launch Day Checklist . Keep it in a visible place (e.g., the front of a binder or on the student's phone).
Strategies for Success
Concrete Language: Avoid metaphors like "taking a leap of faith." Use literal terms: "Transitioning means moving from your current middle school building to the high school building."Sensory Awareness: High school is often louder and more crowded. Validate that these physical sensations can cause "anxious feelings" (tight chest, fast heartbeat).Predictability: If possible, pair this lesson with a physical walkthrough of the high school hallways during a quiet time (after school or summer).
Key Discussion Questions
"What is one thing that will be the same in high school as it is now?" (Establishing continuity)
"When your body feels 'tight' or 'fast,' what is that telling you?" (Body awareness)
"Who is one adult you can look for if you feel lost?" (Identifying support)
Navigator Presentation Slides High School Navigator
Your Blueprint for Moving Up
Name: ____________________
The Big Shift
Same
Classes and teachers
Lunch and homework
Your goals and talents
Different
The building layout
More students
New lockers and schedules
Is it Anxiety?
Fast Heartbeat
Short Breaths
Busy Mind
These are just body signals telling you that things are changing. It is normal to feel this way!
Strategy 1: Box Breathing
Inhale (4 sec)
Hold (4 sec)
Exhale (4 sec)
Hold (4 sec)
Try it now. Focus only on the numbers.
Strategy 2: Your Support Squad
The Case Manager
Your #1 contact for any schedule or classroom issues.
The Counselor
A safe person to talk to if you feel overwhelmed.
The Resource Room
A quiet space when the hallways get too loud.
Ready to Practice?
Next, we are going to use our Tactics Toolkit to plan for your specific high school.
1. Worksheet
2. Role Play
3. Checklist
Tactics Toolkit Worksheet Tactics Toolkit
My Personal High School Strategy Map
NAME: __________________________
DATE: ___________________________
1. How I Feel Right Now
Think about the first day of high school. Circle the number that matches your feeling.
1
Cool & Calm
2
A Little Nervous
3
Steady / Mid
4
Very Anxious
5
Overwhelmed
2. What's on my mind?
Check off the things that feel the most "different" or "scary":
Getting lost in the building
Opening a locker
Loud hallways/bells
Busy lunchroom
New teachers
Having a hard schedule
3. My Strategy Menu
When I feel anxious at Level 4 or 5, I will try these (pick 2):
Box Breathing: I will breathe in, hold, and out for 4 seconds each.
Sensory Break: I will use my noise-canceling headphones or a fidget tool.
Safe Space: I will go to the Resource Room or the Counselor's office.
4. People Who Can Help
Case Manager:
Safe Adult:
Social Scenarios Cards Social Scenario Challenge
Cut these cards out and practice with your teacher!
Scenario 1
I'm Lost!
You are looking for the cafeteria, but you ended up in the Science wing. You don't know where to go.
Practice This:
"Excuse me, can you help me find the cafeteria? I am a new student."
Scenario 2
Too Loud!
The hallway is crowded and three bells just rang. You feel your heart starting to beat very fast.
Practice This:
Stop walking. Lean against a wall. Do 3 Box Breaths. Put on your headphones if you have them.
Scenario 3
Locker Trouble
You tried your locker combination three times and it won't open. You are worried about being late to class.
Practice This:
Find a teacher in the hallway. Say: "My locker is stuck. Can you help me or write me a late pass?"
Scenario 4
Lunchroom Chaos
The lunchroom is very full and you can't find your usual spot. You feel overwhelmed by the noise.
Practice This:
Check your "Backup Plan." Is there a teacher's classroom or a quiet corner where you can eat today?
Social Scenario Challenge
Part 2: Navigating the Unexpected
Scenario 5
The Locker Room
It is time for PE. The locker room is crowded and you don't like changing clothes in front of others.
Practice This:
Ask the PE teacher: "Is there a private stall I can use?" or use your pre-planned private spot.
Scenario 6
The Substitute
Your teacher is out today. The substitute is doing things differently. You feel anxious about the change.
Practice This:
Tell yourself: "This is different, but okay." Use your "Same/Different" chart from your toolkit.
Scenario 7
Group Project
The teacher says, "Get into groups." Everyone starts moving and you don't have a group yet.
Practice This:
Walk to the teacher and say: "I need help finding a group to work with."
Scenario 8
Fire Drill!
The fire alarm goes off. It is very loud and the routine is broken. Everyone is rushing outside.
Practice This:
Cover your ears if needed. Follow the student in front of you. Stay calm and walk outside.
Launch Day Checklist Launch Day
My First Week Checklist
Night Before Preparation
Backpack is packed with my schedule and a map.
Clothes are picked out and feel comfortable (no itchy tags).
Phone/Device is fully charged.
Sensory & Calm-Down Kit
Headphones
Fidget Tool
Water Bottle
Backup Snack
When I Arrive
Walk to my 1st period class (or my safe room).
Say hello to one adult I recognize.
Take 3 deep breaths before the bell rings.
If I feel Level 5 Overwhelmed:
I will go to: ____________________________________
I will tell them: "I need a 5-minute sensory break."
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