An eight-session Tier 3 school counseling sequence for second graders eligible under Autism Spectrum Disorder focusing on emotional regulation, coping strategy acquisition, sensory-friendly calming tools, and property care IEP goals. Blends client-centered relational safety with rational behavior therapy techniques.
Validate that anger is a normal, healthy human emotion; normalize body sensations without shame or blaming.
RBT Interoception
Teach somatic awareness (physiological arousal cues) as the direct trigger to activate cognitive/behavioral coping habits.
30-Minute Structured Session Protocol
0-5 Min
Welcome & Feelings Scale Warmup:
Review confidentiality promise briefly. Ask student to rate their entry mood on the 1-5 scale. Praise self-awareness.
5-15 Min
Direct Instruction - The 5 Thermometer Zones:
Introduce Feelings Thermometer Worksheet. Explain the concept of the "Danger Zone" (Level 3-4) where our brain wants to make impulsive choices (slamming, tearing). Emphasize: "Catch the spark before the fire!"
15-25 Min
Body Clue Detective & Simulation Practice:
Complete Page 2 Body Map. Student highlights where their body feels tension first. Practice the 3 school scenarios together with physical acting.
25-30 Min
Session 2 IEP Goal Probe & Wrap-Up:
Conduct quick 2-question scenario check on data sheet. Student earns sticker/stamp for identifying their personal Level 3 clue.
Counselor Dialogue Script:"When our hands want to break or slam a pencil, our body gives us a secret clue 10 seconds before! What does your body do right before you get super mad? Let's be detectives and find your warning siren."
4 - Advanced (Mastery)
1. Emotional Recognition
Unable to name feeling or body cues; escalates without warning.
Identifies feeling only with adult prompting after escalation.
Identifies Level 2-3 body cues independently in structured tasks.
Anticipates triggers and self-identifies levels across natural classroom settings.
2. Coping Strategy Use
Refuses calming tools; relies on physical acting out.
Accepts calming tool when physically handed by adult.
Selects and executes 1-2 menu tools with verbal cue.
Independently initiates calm menu or break card before reaching Level 4.
Stops destruction with direct physical redirection from adult.
Maintains safe hands in 80% of frustration episodes with reminder.
0 property destruction incidents across consecutive 4-week monitoring period.
4. Self-Advocacy & Breaks
Shuts down or elopes rather than communicating need.
Touches break card only when pointed to by adult.
Hands break card or uses 2-word phrase ("need break") appropriately.
Advocates clearly, takes timed 2-min break, and resumes task without refusal.
Baseline vs. 8-Week Post-Test Comparison
Baseline Score (Week 1): / 16 pts
Post-Test Score (Week 8): / 16 pts
Net Growth / Percentage: + % Growth
IEP Team Determination
Goal Met (Score ≥ 13 & 0 property events)
Making Expected Progress (Continue Tier 3)
Modify Plan / Increase Tier 3 Accommodations
IEP Meeting Date:
Clinician Observation Notes & Sensory Accommodations: Document verbal cues, sensory tools, or processing time provided
School Counselor / Clinician:
Date:
Signature:
Quick Reset
2-Minute Calm Break
I am feeling big feelings. I need 2 minutes to breathe and reset safely.
🟢 "I will return to my seat ready to learn."
🛋️
Space Request
Calm Corner Pass
I am at Level 3 or 4. I am choosing the calm corner to keep my hands and body safe.
⭐ "I will use a sensory tool or sand timer."
🙋
I Need Help
Teacher Help Card
I feel stuck or frustrated with my work. I need help breaking it down into smaller steps.
💡 "I am staying calm while I wait for you."
💧
Movement Break
Water & Step Pass
My body has too much wiggly or angry energy. I need a quick drink of cool water.
🚶 "I will walk with quiet, safe feet."
Teacher & Student Pact: Using a break card is a responsible superhero choice, not quitting!
✓ Safe Hands ✓ Calm Mind
RBT Behavioral Chain
Explicitly rehearse the replacement chain: Trigger -> Body Clue (Level 3) -> Flash Break Card -> Safe Reset.
30-Minute Session Protocol
0-5 Min
Warmup & Strategy Quick-Fire:
Practice 1 Star Breath together as the opening ritual. Check student's current emotional thermometer zone.
5-15 Min
Break Request Card Preparation:
Cut out and laminate the 4 Break Request Cards. Practice the silent "Desk Flip" technique (sliding card to corner of desk without speaking).
15-25 Min
Calm Choices Scenario Quiz Administration:
Administer Calm Choices Scenario Quiz (4 scenarios). Read questions aloud, allowing student to circle answers and act out positive choices.
25-30 Min
Data Recording & Teacher Collaboration Note:
Log score on Session Data Sheet (Goal benchmark: 2/5 target progress). Provide laminated card to classroom teacher with quick implementation email.
Autism Note: Ensure the classroom teacher understands that when the student displays the card, staff should give an immediate affirmative nod and allow the 2-minute reset without requiring verbal justification.
