Inner Weather Station

My specific social trigger:

Schedule & Routine Triggers

Unexpected change in plan Rushing between classes Having to stop an activity mid-way

My specific routine trigger:

Body & Sensory Drain

Loud, chaotic noise in the room Hunger or dehydration Exhaustion / poor night of sleep

My specific sensory trigger:

Part 4

My Custom Storm Kit (4 Chosen Tools)

Pick strategies that actually work for you. You don't need 20 tools—you need 4 reliable ones.

Tool 1: Breath Reset

Which breath tool will you use (Box Breath, Cool the Soup, 4-7-8)?

Tool 2: Physical Release

How will you burn off adrenaline (Wall pushes, fist squeeze, desk press)?

Tool 3: Mind Anchor Statement

What sentence will you silently repeat to pause the panic?

Tool 4: Safe Ally Signal

Who can you ask for help, and what signal or phrase will you give them?

My 3-Step Reset Protocol (When I Feel Level 3/4) Committed Practice

Step 1: PAUSE What physical pause will I do?

Step 2: CHOOSE Which storm kit tool first?

Step 3: RECOVER How do I re-enter cleanly?

Student Signature:

Facilitator / Coach:

Inner Weather Station • Sheet 2 of 2 Keep this in your binder or desk as your daily reset anchor!

Coaching Note: Validate physical responses as protective instincts.

Reframing Triggers (No Guilt)

"A trigger isn't an excuse; it's a known vulnerability. When someone says 'Hurry up', that might feel like an explosion inside you. Once you know that 'Hurry up' is one of your triggers, it stops being a surprise attack. You can see it coming from a mile away."

Prompt: "What is one sentence from someone else that sets off your alarm?"

Practicing the 3-Step Reset

"Notice Level 3. Hit the invisible Pause button on your chest. Drop shoulders down. Take one breath so deep your belly expands. Now pick your move: wall press, water sip, or asking for 2 minutes of quiet. You're the captain of your storm ship."

Action: Facilitator models the breath with exaggerated shoulder drop.

Inner Weather Station • Facilitator Guide Page 1 Turn over for Role-Play Scenarios, De-escalation Protocol & Neurodiversity Matrix

Simulation Drills & Support Matrix

Role-Plays • Real-Time Crisis Response • Accommodations

Page 2 of 2

Tool 1

3 Guided Practice Simulations (Walkthrough with Student)

A

Scenario: The Math Wall (Academic Frustration)

Prompt: "You look at problem #4. You don't understand it, the teacher says 'Five minutes left!', and your stomach tightens into a knot."

Desired Student Response: Student catches Level 3 -> says mental anchor ("Mistakes are part of learning") -> uses help signal or raises hand for prompt.

B

Scenario: Accidental Bump (Social Misinterpretation)

Prompt: "In the hallway, a peer bumps your shoulder hard and your folder drops. You think they did it on purpose and your fists immediately ball up."

Desired Student Response: Student pauses hands -> executes 4-second exhale -> says ("Accident or on purpose? Check before reacting") -> avoids retaliation.

C

Scenario: Sudden Switch (Transition & Loss of Control)

Prompt: "You were looking forward to free choice time, but the schedule changes and you have to do cleanup instead. You feel the urge to slam your chair."

Desired Student Response: Student acknowledges Level 3 frustration -> executes 5 heavy palm presses against desk -> requests a 2-minute cool down.

Tool 2

Crisis Response: What to Do if the Student Escalates (Level 4)

1. Reduce Words (Less is More)

During amygdala hijack, processing auditory language is nearly impossible. Speak under 5 words at a time: "You are safe. Take time."

2. Adjust Physical Space

Step back 4-6 feet. Drop to seated height so you are non-threatening. Keep hands visible and open. Never block doorways or corner them.

3. Co-Regulate (Mirror Calm)

Exaggerate your own slow, audible breathing. Lower your pitch and volume. Your nervous system must anchor their nervous system.

*Never debrief or lecture while student is in Level 4. Wait until breathing slows and muscles unclench (minimum 20 minutes post-peak).*

Tool 3

Differentiation & Neurodiversity Accommodations

ADHD / Impulsivity

• • Use physical fidgets during talk time.
• • Prioritize gross-motor releases (wall pushes, stair climbing) over stillness.
• • Provide immediate tangible reinforcement.

Autism / Sensory Sensitivity

• • Replace vague feeling words with concrete visual numbers (1 to 10).
• • Offer noise-canceling headphones & dim lighting.
• • Use non-verbal visual cards rather than speaking.

Trauma / High Anxiety

• • Ensure back is not to an open doorway.
• • Provide predictable routine with clear time limits.
• • Give student complete autonomy over tool choice.

Daily 60-Second Maintenance Check-in (Days 2-10) Post-Session Sustainability

At morning arrival, touch base for 60 seconds: "What's your current weather level today? (1, 2, or 3) Which Storm Kit tool are you carrying in your pocket today if clouds roll in?" Celebrate every instance where the student uses a Level 3 pause before hitting Level 4.

Inner Weather Station • Facilitator Guide Page 2 Confidential Tier 2 / Individual Educational Resource