Connection Lab Session Plan Social Connections Lab
Session 1: The Friendship Blueprint
Theoretical Lens
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focus Area
Rapport & Goal Initiation
Session Objectives
Establish a collaborative "Social Scientist" working relationship.
Identify 3+ "Green Flags" (positive qualities) and "Red Flags" (warning signs) in friendships.
Introduce the link between social events, automatic thoughts, and behaviors.
The Protocol (45-50 Minutes)
1. Lab Check-In (5-10 mins)
Build rapport by exploring the student's "data" from the week.
Use a "High/Low/Buffalo" (Good, Bad, Random) share.
Collaboratively set the agenda for the "Lab Session."
2. The Connection Map (10 mins)
Discuss how thoughts about others influence how we act.
"In this lab, we look at friendships like a blueprint. Some parts are solid (Green Flags), and some parts might need repairs or are warning signs (Red Flags)."
3. Friendship Radar Game (20 mins)
Interactive sorting of social scenarios.
Use the Friendship Radar Cards .
Ask: "If this happened, what would you think ? How would you feel ?"
Discuss the 'why' behind each categorization.
4. The Tool Kit (10 mins)
Introduction to coping strategies for "Red Flag" moments.
Identify 3 specific tools: Walking Away, Adult Support, "I" Statements.
Practice one scenario from the game using a tool.
CBT Cognitive Restructuring Prompts
Testing the Data: "What is the evidence that they were ignoring you on purpose versus just being busy?"
Alternative Explanations: "Could there be another reason they didn't invite you yet?"
Behavioral Activation: "What is one small step you can take to use a 'Green Flag' behavior today?"
Friendship Radar Game Activity Activity Deck
FRIENDSHIP RADAR
Categorize the data: Is it a Green Flag or a Red Flag?
Green Flags
Healthy, Safe, and Positive
Red Flags
Unhealthy, Warning Signs
Case #01
A classmate asks you what you're interested in and listens to your answer.
Case #02
Someone only talks to you when they need help with their schoolwork.
Case #03
You share a snack or a toy, and they say "Thank you" and offer to share back later.
Case #04
A group of peers stops talking and turns away when you walk toward them.
Case #05
A peer invites you to sit with them at lunch or hang out during recess.
Case #06
Someone makes a joke about your clothes or hobbies in front of other people.
Case #07
You are consistently the last person picked for a team or left out of the group.
Case #08
A friend notices you are upset and asks if you are doing okay.
Social Scientist Discussion
Choose one "Red Flag" card. If this happened to you, what would you think ? How would your body feel ? What is one coping tool you could use?
Social Response Lab Report Worksheet SOCIAL RESPONSE LAB
Subject ID: _________________
Date: ____________________
Analyzing the data to build the perfect friendship blueprint.
01 Observation Data
Think back to a "Red Flag" moment this week. Describe it below:
My Thought (The Brain)
My Feeling (The Heart)
02 Social Tool Kit
Which tool will you use when you encounter a "Red Flag"? Check the ones you want to try this week.
Walk Away
Remove yourself from the testing environment.
Adult Support
Report the data to a trusted Lab Assistant (teacher/counselor).
"I" Statement
State your data clearly: "I feel [feeling] when [event]."
03 Lab Reflection
"A good scientist always reflects on their data. How did it feel to talk about friendships today?"
Difficult
Okay
Great
End of Session 01 Data Log // Proceed to Weekly Application
Simple Friendship Radar Game Activity FRIENDSHIP RADAR
Find the Green Flags and Red Flags
GREEN FLAG
A positive friendship sign.
RED FLAG
A warning sign.
They ask you to play.
They ignore you.
They listen to you.
They tease you.
They share with you.
They leave you out.
Let's Talk
Pick one card. If it's a RED FLAG , what is one way to stay safe and happy?
Simple Friendship Tools Worksheet FRIENDSHIP TOOLS
My Plan for Green Flag Friendships
1 What Happened?
Draw or write about a "Red Flag" moment (teasing, being left out):
2 How did I feel?
SAD
MAD
SCARED
3 The Best Tool
Draw a line from the scenario to the best tool:
Alex is ignored at lunch.
Sarah is teased about her shirt.
Sam feels unsafe.
WALK AWAY
TELL THEM
ASK FOR HELP Simple Connection Lab Session Plan Social Connection Lab
Simplified CBT Protocol (Flags Version)
Key Strategy: The Flag System
Utilize the Green Flag and Red Flag system to provide a concrete, visual way for the student to categorize peer behavior. This reduces the complexity of social nuances into a binary system that is easier to navigate using CBT principles.
1
Check-In (5m)
Ask: "What Green Flags did you see this week? Did you spot any Red Flags ?"
2
The Radar Game (15m)
Use the Simple Friendship Radar cards. Have the student physically sort them into Green and Red Flag piles.
CBT Link: "When we see a Red Flag, what is the first thought that pops into your head?"
3
Coping Tools (15m)
Use the Simple Friendship Tools worksheet. Focus on Step 3: "What can I do?"
Model "Walk Away" physically.
Practice "Ask for Help" by identifying who the student trusts.
4
Closing (5m)
Identify one tool the student feels confident using before the next session.
Counselor Support Prompts
"Is this card a Green Flag (good sign) or a Red Flag (warning)?"
"How does your body feel when you see a Red Flag?"
"Which tool helps you stay calm when flags are red?"
Social Lab Counselor Script Lab Facilitator Script
Session 01: The Friendship Radar
Topic: Identifying Green/Red Flags & CBT Coping Strategies
1. Opening & The Lab Theme (5-8 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Welcome back to the Lab! Today, we are acting like Social Scientists . In this lab, we aren't just guessing about friends—we are looking at data . Every time someone talks to us or plays with us, they are giving us data about whether they are a 'Green Flag' friend or a 'Red Flag' friend."
Note: High-functioning autistic students often respond well to objective, "scientific" frameworks which lower the emotional stakes of social rejection.
2. The Radar Game (15-20 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Let's test our Friendship Radar . I have some cards with things people do. Your job is to sort them. Green Flags mean 'This is a good sign, keep going!' and Red Flags mean 'Warning! Something is wrong here.'"
When the student picks a 'Red Flag' card (e.g., "They ignore you"):
"You put that in the Red Flag pile. When that happens at school, what is the first thought your brain has? Does it say 'They hate me' or maybe 'They didn't hear me'?"
CBT Strategy: You are identifying "Automatic Thoughts." Help the student see that the thought is what makes them feel bad, not just the event.
3. The Tool Kit (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Now, every scientist needs a tool kit. If our radar spots a Red Flag , we don't just sit there. We use a tool. Look at these: Walk Away, Ask for Help, or Use an 'I' Statement. "
"If someone teases you (Red Flag), which tool feels the safest to use? Let's practice it right now. I'll pretend to tease you, and you use your 'Walk Away' tool."
Behavioral Rehearsal: Physically practicing the movement (walking to the door) or the words (saying the statement) helps the student access the skill when they are actually stressed.
4. Lab Wrap-Up (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Great work in the lab today. Your mission this week is to keep your Radar on. If you see a Red Flag, try to use just one tool . We will look at your data logs next time!"
Confidential Facilitator Resource // Social Connections Lab
Friendship Connection Session Guide Complete Friendship Connection Guide
CBT Framework Session 1
Focus Goal:
Identifying positive friendship qualities (Green Flags) and recognizing warning signs (Red Flags), while practicing coping strategies for social rejection.
1
Weekly Check-In (5-10 mins)
Instructions:
Review the student's week using direct, literal questions. Focus on specific events.
Sample Script:
"Welcome back! Let's talk about your week. Was there a time you felt really good while hanging out with someone? That's a Green Flag . Was there a time you felt left out or ignored? We call those Red Flags . What happened?"
2
Friendship Radar Game (15-20 mins)
Instructions:
Use the Friendship Radar cards. Have the student sort them into Green and Red piles. Use the "Think-Feel" bridge for CBT processing.
Sample Script:
"We're going to look at different things people do. If it's a good sign, put it on the Green Flag . If it's a warning sign, put it on the Red Flag ."
CBT Processing Prompt:
"When someone ignores you (Red Flag), what is the first thought you have? Does it make you feel sad or mad? Let's talk about why that thought might not be the whole story."
3
Coping Strategies (10-15 mins)
Instructions:
Review the three tools: Walk Away, Ask for Help, and 'I' Statements. Use fictional scenarios to find the "best tool."
Sample Script:
"If we see a Red Flag, we need a plan. Here are three tools you can use: Walk Away , Ask a Teacher , or Tell them how you feel using an 'I' statement."
"Let's look at this character, Alex . A peer just took his ball (Red Flag). If Alex feels mad, which tool should he use first? Why do you think that tool is a good choice?"
*Discuss 1-2 more characters (e.g., Sarah being ignored, Sam being teased) and match them to tools on the worksheet.
4
Closing & Goal (5 mins)
Sample Script:
"You did a great job today. This week, try to spot one Green Flag and one Red Flag . If you see a Red Flag, remember our tools. We'll talk about how it went next time."
Implementation Tips
Literal Language: Avoid metaphors. Use "good signs" and "warning signs" alongside the flag visual.
Simple Friendship Radar Card Game Friendship Radar
The Card Game
How to Play:
Cut out the Scenario Cards .
Sort them onto the Flag Mats .
If it's a Red Flag, play a Tool Card to stay safe!
GREEN FLAG
Place Positive Signs Here
RED FLAG
Place Warning Signs Here
Cut along the dotted lines
They ask you to play.
They listen to your ideas.
They share their toy.
They say "Good job!"
They ignore you.
They leave you out.
They tease you.
They take your things.
Master Tool Cards (To counter Red Flags)
WALK AWAY
ASK FOR HELP
TELL THEM
Scenario Success Task Cards Flight luxury version Scenario Success Cards
Practice Using Your Tools
Friendship Practice // Session 01
Scenario #1
Alex's Problem
Alex is sitting at a table. Two kids move to a different table when he sits down.
Alex's Thought:
"Nobody wants to be my friend. I should just go home."
Circle the Best Tool:
Walk Away
Ask Help
Tell Them
Scenario #2
Sarah's Problem
A peer laughs at Sarah because she is wearing a shirt with a cartoon on it.
Sarah's Thought:
"This shirt is stupid. Everyone is looking at me."
Circle the Best Tool:
Walk Away
Ask Help
Tell Them
Scenario #3
Sam's Problem
Sam's friend is playing a game but says "You can't play today, we have enough people."
Sam's Thought:
"They don't like me anymore. I did something wrong."
Circle the Best Tool:
Walk Away
Ask Help
Tell Them
My Practice Card
A problem I had:
My first thought:
Pick your tool:
Friendship Strategy
Sometimes our first thought is a "Sticky Thought" —it makes us feel stuck and sad. Using a Tool helps you get unstuck so you can find a better way to handle the problem!
Simple Scenario Tools Cards MY FRIENDSHIP TOOLS
What should I do?
Red Flag
Alex sits down.
The other kids move away.
Alex Thinks:
"They don't like me."
Circle the tool Alex should use:
Walk Away
Ask Help
Tell Them
Red Flag
Sarah has a cool shirt.
Someone laughs at it.
Sarah Thinks:
"My shirt is bad."
Circle the tool Sarah should use:
Walk Away
Ask Help
Tell Them
Red Flag
Sam asks to play.
They say "No."
Sam Thinks:
"I'm not invited."
Circle the tool Sam should use:
Walk Away
Ask Help
Tell Them
A problem I had...
I Thought:
Which tool will I use?
Friendship Connection Session Guide Complete Friendship Connection Guide
CBT Framework 30-45 Minute Session
Focus Goal:
Identifying positive friendship qualities (Green Flags) and recognizing warning signs (Red Flags), while practicing coping strategies for social rejection.
1
Weekly Check-In (5 mins)
Instructions:
Review the student's week using direct, literal questions. Focus on one clear social event.
Sample Script:
"Welcome back! Let's talk about your week. Was there a time you felt good hanging out with someone? That's a Green Flag . Was there a time you felt ignored? That's a Red Flag . Tell me about one of those."
2
Friendship Radar Game (10-15 mins)
Instructions:
Use the card game. Have the student sort cards into Green and Red piles. Briefly discuss the "Thought" behind 1 Red Flag.
Sample Script:
"We're going to quickly sort these cards. Green Flag for good signs, Red Flag for warning signs."
CBT Prompt:
"Pick one Red Flag. What's the first thought Alex has? How does that thought make him feel?"
3
Coping Tools (10-15 mins)
Instructions:
Match 2-3 characters to tools on the worksheet. Focus on identifying the best tool for the situation.
Sample Script:
"When we see a Red Flag, we use a tool: Walk Away , Ask a Teacher , or Tell them ."
"Let's look at Sarah. Someone laughed at her shirt. Which tool should she use to stay happy? Why is that a good choice?"
4
Closing & Goal (5 mins)
Sample Script:
"Great job. This week, spot one Red Flag and try to use your tool. We'll check in next time!"
Pacing Tip: If the student gets stuck on sorting, move directly to the coping practice to ensure time for skill-building.
Wait Time: Respect processing speed, but keep the session moving with gentle redirects to the goal.
Simple Connection Lab Session Plan 30-45 min version Social Connection Lab
30-45 Min Protocol (Flags Version)
Pacing Strategy
To fit into 30-45 minutes, focus on one key scenario during the Radar game and two character tools during the practice. Prioritize literal language and concrete modeling.
1
Check-In (5m)
Identify one Green Flag or Red Flag from the student's week. Keep it brief and concrete.
2
Radar Game (10-15m)
Sort the neutral scenario cards. Discuss the "first thought" for one Red Flag to bridge into CBT.
3
Coping Tools (10-15m)
Match characters like Alex or Sarah to their tools. Focus on the student identifying the best strategy.
4
Wrap-Up (5m)
Pick one tool for the week. End with a positive "Green Flag" note about the session.
Friendship Connection Script 30-45 min version Session Script: Friendship Connection
30-45 Minute Protocol Direct Language Version
1
Check-In (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Welcome back! I’m glad you’re here. Today, we’re going to talk about friendships—the parts that feel good and the parts that can be tricky. But first, let’s look at your week."
"Think about one time this week you were around other kids. Was there a moment that felt like a Green Flag (a good sign) or a Red Flag (a warning sign)? Tell me what happened."
Counselor Note: If the student struggles to remember, provide a prompt like: "What about at lunch or recess?" Give them time to process.
2
Friendship Radar Game (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"We’re going to use our Friendship Radar . I have some cards here that show different things people do. We need to decide if they are Green Flags or Red Flags ."
(Lay out the sorting mats and give the student the neutral cards.)
"Take a look at this one: 'They ask you to play.' Is that a good sign or a warning sign? Go ahead and put it where it belongs."
The CBT Bridge (Pick one Red Flag):
"You put 'They ignore you' on the Red Flag pile. When that happens, what is the first thought that pops into your head? Does it make you feel sad, or maybe just confused?"
3
Tool Challenge (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"When we see a Red Flag, we need a plan. We have three main tools : Walk Away , Ask for Help , or Tell Them how you feel."
(Show the Tool Cards/Worksheet.)
"Let’s look at Alex on your sheet. Alex sat down at a table and other kids moved away. That’s a Red Flag. If Alex thinks 'Nobody likes me,' which tool would help him most?"
"Great choice. Why do you think that tool works best for that problem?"
4
Wrap-Up (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"You did a great job identifying those flags today. Before you go, let’s pick one goal for this week. If you see a Red Flag at school, which one of your tools will you try to use?"
"Awesome. Write that down on your worksheet so you remember. See you next time!"
Confidential Counselor Script // Friendship Connection Guide
Feeling Thermometer Visual Check In My Feeling Temperature
How do I feel right now?
10 8 6 4 2 0
Level 5: Exploding
Very mad, very sad, or out of control. I need a big break.
Level 4: High
I am feeling upset or frustrated. It is hard to focus.
Level 3: Medium
I am okay, but I feel a little bit worried or annoyed.
Level 2: Good
I am feeling calm and ready to talk or play.
Level 1: Great
I am happy and relaxed. I feel very safe.
Put a finger on the color that matches your feeling today.
Friendship Connection Session Guide Complete Temp Update Friendship Connection Guide
CBT Framework 30-45 Minute Session
Focus Goal:
Identifying positive friendship qualities (Green Flags) and recognizing warning signs (Red Flags), while practicing coping strategies for social rejection.
1
Check-In (5-8 mins)
Instructions:
Emotional Temperature: Use the Feeling Thermometer visual. Have the student identify their mood level before discussing events.
Weekly Review: Review the student's week using direct, literal questions. Focus on one clear social event.
Sample Script:
"Welcome back! Before we start, let's use our Feeling Thermometer . Put your finger on the level that shows how you feel right now. Are you at a Level 1 (Great) or maybe a Level 3 (Medium)?"
"Now, let's look at your week. Was there a time you felt good hanging out with someone? That's a Green Flag . Was there a time you felt ignored? That's a Red Flag ."
2
Friendship Radar Game (10-15 mins)
Instructions:
Use the card game. Have the student sort cards into Green and Red piles. Briefly discuss the "Thought" behind 1 Red Flag.
Sample Script:
"We're going to quickly sort these cards. Green Flag for good signs, Red Flag for warning signs."
CBT Prompt:
"Pick one Red Flag. What's the first thought Alex has? How does that thought make him feel?"
3
Coping Tools (10-15 mins)
Instructions:
Match 2-3 characters to tools on the worksheet. Focus on identifying the best tool for the situation.
Sample Script:
"When we see a Red Flag, we use a tool: Walk Away , Ask for Help , or Tell them ."
"Let's look at Sarah. Someone laughed at her shirt. Which tool should she use to stay happy? Why is that a good choice?"
4
Closing & Goal (5 mins)
Sample Script:
"Great job. This week, spot one Red Flag and try to use your tool. We'll check in next time!"
Emotional Regulation: If the student starts the session at a Level 4 or 5, spend the first 10 minutes using a calming tool before the planned activities.
Pacing Tip: Emotional temperature checks provide vital data on how much the student can handle in the session today.
Friendship Connection Script 30-45 min version temp check version Session Script: Friendship Connection
30-45 Minute Protocol With Emotional Temp Check
1
Check-In & Temp Check (5-8 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Welcome back! I’m glad you’re here. Before we talk about our goals, let’s check in on how you’re feeling right now ."
(Place the Feeling Thermometer in front of the student.)
"Put your finger on the color that matches your mood. Are you feeling Level 2 (Good) or maybe Level 3 (Medium)? There is no wrong answer."
Once level is identified:
"Thanks for sharing your data with me. Now, let’s think about your week. Was there a moment that felt like a Green Flag or a Red Flag ? Tell me what happened."
2
Friendship Radar Game (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"We’re going to use our Friendship Radar . I have some cards here that show different things people do. We need to decide if they are Green Flags or Red Flags ."
"Take a look at this one: 'They ask you to play.' Is that a good sign or a warning sign? Go ahead and put it where it belongs."
The CBT Bridge (Pick one Red Flag):
"You put 'They ignore you' on the Red Flag pile. When that happens, what is the first thought that pops into your head? Does it make you feel sad, or maybe just confused?"
3
Tool Challenge (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"When we see a Red Flag, we need a plan. We have three main tools : Walk Away , Ask for Help , or Tell Them how you feel."
"Let’s look at Alex on your sheet. Alex sat down at a table and other kids moved away. That’s a Red Flag. If Alex thinks 'Nobody likes me,' which tool would help him most?"
"Great choice. Why do you think that tool works best for that problem?"
4
Wrap-Up (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"You did a great job identifying those flags today. Before you go, let’s pick one goal for this week. If you see a Red Flag at school, which one of your tools will you try to use?"
"Awesome. See you next time!"
Confidential Counselor Script // Friendship Connection Guide
Feeling Thermometer Visual Check In v2 My Feeling Temperature
How do I feel right now?
10 8 6 4 2 0
Level 5: Exploding
Very mad, very sad, or out of control. I need a big break.
Level 4: High
I am feeling upset or frustrated. It is hard to focus.
Level 3: Medium
I am okay, but I feel a little bit worried or annoyed.
Level 2: Good
I am feeling calm and ready to talk or play.
Level 1: Great
I am happy and relaxed. I feel very safe.
Put a finger on the color that matches your feeling today.
Final Friendship Connection Session Script Final Session Script: Friendship Connection
30-45 Minute Protocol Includes Temperature Check
1
Emotional Temp Check (3-5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Hi! I’m glad you’re here today. Before we start our friendship activities, I want to see how you are feeling right now. We're going to use our Feeling Thermometer ."
(Place the Feeling Thermometer v2 with Red at the top in front of the student.)
"Look at the colors. Red at the top means you feel 'Exploding' or very upset. Blue at the bottom means you feel 'Great' and relaxed. Put your finger on the color that matches your mood right now."
If student picks Level 4 or 5:
"It looks like you're having a really tough day. Let's take a few minutes to just breathe or talk about that before we start our game."
2
Weekly Review (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Now, let’s think about your week at school. Did you see any Green Flags (good signs) when hanging out with people? Or did you see any Red Flags (warning signs) where you felt ignored or left out?"
"Tell me about one of those times. What happened?"
3
Radar Card Game (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Let’s practice our radar. I have some scenario cards here. They are all the same color, so you have to read them to find the flags! Sort them onto the Green Flag or Red Flag mats."
(Student sorts 4-6 cards. Pick one Red Flag card for CBT bridge.)
"Look at this Red Flag: 'A peer laughs at your shirt.' When that happens, what is the first thought that pops into your head? Does it make you feel Level 4 (High) or Level 3 (Medium) on our thermometer?"
4
Tool Practice (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"When we see a Red Flag, we use a tool to stay happy. We have Walk Away , Ask for Help , and Tell Them ."
(Show the Scenario Tools Cards .)
"Let’s help Alex. He sat down and kids moved away. If he thinks 'Nobody likes me,' which tool should he use to handle the problem? Circle the best one on the card."
5
Closing (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"You did a great job using your tools today. This week, try to spot one Red Flag at school and use your 'Walk Away' or 'Ask Help' tool."
Final Friendship Connection Session Script with Definitions Final Session Script: Friendship Connection
30-45 Minute Protocol Includes Definitions & Temp Check
1
Emotional Temp Check (3-5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Hi! I’m glad you’re here today. Before we start our friendship activities, I want to see how you are feeling right now. We're going to use our Feeling Thermometer ."
(Place the Feeling Thermometer v2 with Red at the top in front of the student.)
"Look at the colors. Red at the top means you feel 'Exploding' or very upset. Blue at the bottom means you feel 'Great' and relaxed. Put your finger on the color that matches your mood right now."
If student picks Level 4 or 5:
"It looks like you're having a really tough day. Let's take a few minutes to just breathe or talk about that before we start our game."
2
Defining the Flags (5 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Today we are talking about two kinds of friendship signs. We call them Green Flags and Red Flags ."
Green Flags
Good signs. These mean a person is being kind, listening, or treating you like a real friend.
Red Flags
Warning signs. These mean someone is being mean, ignoring you, or making you feel left out.
"Now, think about your week. Did you see any Green Flags (good signs)? Or did you see any Red Flags (warning signs)? Tell me what happened."
3
Radar Card Game (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"Let’s practice our radar. I have some scenario cards here. Sort them onto the Green Flag or Red Flag mats based on the signs we just talked about."
(Student sorts cards. Pick one Red Flag card for CBT bridge.)
"Look at this Red Flag: 'A peer laughs at your shirt.' When that happens, what is the first thought that pops into your head? Does it make you feel Level 4 (High) or Level 3 (Medium) on our thermometer?"
4
Tool Practice (10-15 Mins)
Counselor Dialogue:
"When we see a Red Flag, we use a tool to stay happy. We have Walk Away , Ask for Help , and Tell Them ."
"Let’s help Alex. He sat down and kids moved away. If he thinks 'Nobody likes me,' which tool should he use? Circle the best one on the card."