Social Compass Cards
Part 1 • Self-Advocacy Cut along dashed lines
Social Compass Cards
6 Communication Cards
Clarification #01
The Rapid Instructions
Your teacher explains the classroom assignment very quickly. You are unsure which page to open or what to do first.
Try Saying:
"Could you please repeat step one for me?"
Or: "Can you show me an example of the first step?"
Power Tip: Asking to pause protects your learning!
Support #02
The Noisy Cafeteria
The cafeteria or gym gets extremely loud. The echoing noise makes your body feel tense, overwhelmed, and tired.
Try Saying:
"The room is too loud for my ears. May I wear headphones?"
Or: "Can I sit at the quieter side table today?"
Power Tip: Your sensory needs are valid and real.
Boundary #03
Too Close in Line
While standing in the line, another student stands very close behind you, bumping your backpack and touching your sleeve.
Try Saying:
"I need an arm's length of personal space, please."
Or: "Please step back one step so I can feel comfortable."
Power Tip: You can set boundaries with a calm, flat tone.
Support #04
The Busy Group Project
During team work, three students speak at once and move materials quickly. You can't tell what your job is.
Try Saying:
"Talking all at once is hard for me. Which part can I do?"
Or: "Can we write down each person's task on paper?"
Power Tip: Asking for structure helps the whole group!
Self-Regulation #05
Brain Tank on Empty
You've been writing for 25 minutes. Your hands feel stiff, your thoughts are fuzzy, and your body feels restless.
Try Saying:
"I need a 2-minute reset break. Can I get a drink of water?"
Or: Hand your teacher your designated Break Card pass.
Power Tip: Taking breaks early prevents burnout.
Boundary #06
Special Belongings
A classmate asks to borrow your special fidget tool or pen that you do not want anyone else to touch or break.
Try Saying:
"No thank you, that is my special tool and stays with me."
Or: "You can't borrow this, but the bin has extra supplies."
Power Tip: You have the right to protect personal items.
Discussion Question: Which card feels most familiar in your day? What helps you feel brave?
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Part 2 • Connection Cut along dashed lines
Social Compass Cards
6 Friendship Cards
Joining Play #07
The Recess Game
Two classmates are passing a soccer ball back and forth. You want to join, but aren't sure how to step into the game.
Try Saying:
"Hey! That looks fun. Do you have room for one more?"
Or: Watch for a pause, then: "Can I join the next round?"
Power Tip: Waiting for a natural pause makes asking easy!
Shared Interest #08
The Passion Topic
You love your favorite topic and have shared several facts. You notice your friend is quiet or looking in another direction.
Try Saying:
"I could talk about this all day! What are you into lately?"
Or: "Do you want to hear one more fact, or switch topics?"
Power Tip: Conversations are like catch—pass the ball back!
Compromise #09
Clashing Play Plans
You and a peer are building. You want to make a tall rocket, but they want to build an animal zoo.
Try Saying:
"What if we mash up ideas? A space zoo with animal pods!"
Or: "Let's build your zoo first, then add the rocket."
Power Tip: Mashups are often twice as fun as one idea!
Empathy #10
A Friend Looks Sad
At lunch, your classmate sits down with head down on the table and doesn't unpack their lunchbox.
Try Saying:
"Are you doing okay today? Do you want company or quiet?"
Or: Sit quietly near them so they know you are there for support.
Power Tip: Offering quiet space is a kind way to support friends.
Flexibility #11
The Unexpected Switch
You planned to draw together at free time, but your friend suddenly says, "Actually, let's play four-square instead!"
Try Saying:
"I was ready to draw, so fast plan changes are tough for me."
Or: "You play four-square and I'll draw, and let's meet at lunch!"
Power Tip: Friends don't have to do everything together.
Kind Refusal #12
Declining an Active Game
A peer invites you to run around and play tag, but you feel exhausted and need a calm, low-energy recess today.
Try Saying:
"Thanks for asking! Tag isn't for me today, have fun though!"
Or: "I need calm time now, but want to do a puzzle later?"
Power Tip: Saying 'no' kindly still keeps the friendship warm.
Discussion Question: How can two friends have fun even when they like different activities?
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Part 3 • Action Guide Keep at your desk or role-play station
Social Navigator Toolkit
Name: ______________________ Date: ______________________
1
Check In Inside
Notice your body signals first:
• Heart racing or hands tight?
• Noise feeling painful?
• Need quiet or connection?
2
Pick a Script
Select what you need most:
• Clarify: "Can you repeat?"
• Boundary: "I need space."
• Friend: "Can I play too?"
3
Take Action
Deliver your words calmly:
• Speak at steady volume
• No forced eye contact needed
• Celebrate speaking up!
Pocket Power Strips (Cut & Keep)
Keep in pencil box, pocket, or binder
Clarification Pass
"My brain needs a moment. Could you write that down or show me an example?"
Boundary Shield
"I need some quiet space right now. I will let you know when I am ready to talk."
Support Signal
"I am feeling sensory overload right now. May I use my headphones or take a break?"
Friend Bridge
"That looks really neat! Can I join in, or would you like to build together?"
Role-Play Practice Log
Pick 1 scenario card to practice with a partner
Card # or Situation Name:
________________________________________________
Practice Partner (Peer or Coach):
________________________________________________
The Exact Words or Script I Practiced Saying:
____________________________________________________________________________________
How did practicing make you feel?
Nervous Okay Confident Proud!
Remember: Self-advocacy is a superpower. Speaking up for your needs helps everyone understand you!
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