A multi-week emotional regulation and social self-advocacy curriculum designed specifically for high schoolers with ADHD and BIPs. This sequence provides a modern, gamified framework for identifying triggers, practicing coping mechanisms, tracking daily goals, and resolving peer conflicts.
Step-by-Step Delivery Manual for 4 Months of BIP Interventions
TEACHER-FACING • v1.0
MONTH 3 Focus: Self-Advocacy & Neutral Scripting
Lesson 3 Facilitation: Running the Vocal Shield
Goal: Equip the student with concrete verbal scripts to negotiate boundaries and clarify classroom instructions without being confrontational.
Step 1: Role-play Scenario Cards (10 mins) Hand out the Pivot Scenario Cards (S-01, S-02). Let the student read the scenario card description.
Step 2: Compare Responses (5 mins) Discuss the difference between the "Friction Pivot" (low control/high reaction) and the "Vocal Shield Pivot" (high control/assertive script).
Step 3: Script Drafting (5 mins) Have the student draft a template sentence they will use if a teacher accuses them of off-task behavior.
Key Discussion Starters:
"Why is it harder to use your Vocal Shield when you feel embarrassed or defensive?"
"How can a flat, calm tone change the way a teacher responds to you?"
Goal: De-escalating social tension, group work imbalance, and ignoring sarcasm from peers.
Step 1: Decode Peer Signals (5 mins) Use the Peer Calibration Worksheet to read social cues and discuss typical high school friction points.
Step 2: Scripting Monotone Walls (10 mins) Help the student write three "Monotone Shielding" responses to sarcasm. Practice delivering them with flat facial expressions.
Step 3: Mediation Practice (5 mins) Simulate a group work dispute where members fail to divide slides fairly. Have the student use their de-escalation plan.
Key Discussion Starters:
"Why is a monotone voice so powerful against someone trying to start an argument?"
"What is your plan if a group mate ignores you twice in a row?"
THE PIVOT PROTOCOL • COUNSELOR FACILITATION GUIDE PAGE 2 OF 2
S-04
The Sarcastic Critic
Peer Conflict
During lunch, a peer makes a sarcastic comment about your sneakers, saying "Nice shoes, did you get those from a dumpster?" Several students nearby laugh, and you feel your jaw clenching and the urge to throw your milk carton at them.
Friction Pivot (Standard Response)
Insult them back, get in their face, or physically push them, leading to an immediate suspension threat.
Vocal Shield Pivot (Advocacy Response)
Use a flat, unbothered voice: "No, they're clean. Let's move on." or walk away immediately to another table.
Role-Play Prompt: Practice saying a neutral statement using a completely monotone, unreactive voice. Why does this stop the instigator?
S-05
Sudden Schedule Shift
Adaptability
You arrive at your favorite class, art, expecting to work on your clay sculpture. The teacher announces there's a surprise assembly, meaning your sculpture time is canceled and you have to go sit in a crowded, noisy gymnasium.
Friction Pivot (Standard Response)
Yell "This is stupid!", walk in the opposite direction, or lock yourself in a school bathroom stall in protest.
Vocal Shield Pivot (Advocacy Response)
Quietly ask the art teacher or your advocate: "Can I bring my headphones to sit near the gym exit so it is less overwhelming?"
Role-Play Prompt: Negotiate with your advocate for sensory support when plans change. How can we pivot safely?
S-06
Public Corrective Warning
BIP Goal Target
During quiet study time, you are tapping your desk rhythmically. Your teacher says out loud in front of the whole class, "Stop tapping, you are distracting everyone." You feel extremely embarrassed, defensive, and ready to snap back.
Friction Pivot (Standard Response)
Yell "Other people are talking!" or kick your desk leg, leading to classroom disruption behavior charges.
Vocal Shield Pivot (Advocacy Response)
Take a 3-second breathing pause, say "Got it," and swap the desk tapping for a silent hand-fidget under your desk.
Role-Play Prompt: Practice accepting constructive feedback with a simple "Got it" or "My bad," and pivot silently.
THE PIVOT PROTOCOL • SCENARIO-BASED DISCUSSION CARDS PAGE 2 OF 2
