Case File Scenarios Assessment Case File: Social Scenarios
Confidential Assessment Record • Grade 4 Level 1
SI-401
Investigator:
Date:
Instructions
Below are several "cases" or social situations. Read each one carefully. Think about what is happening, how people might be feeling, and what the best "next move" would be.
Module 01: Connection Clues
Case #101
You see a group of classmates talking about a new video game that you also play and love. You want to join them.
Q1: How do you decide when it is the right time to start talking?
Q2: What exactly would you say to start your turn in the conversation?
Case #102
Your friend is telling you a long story about their weekend trip. You aren't interested, but they are still talking.
Q1: How can you show your friend you are listening, even if you are bored?
Q2: If you wanted to change the topic to something else, how would you do it?
Module 02: Mind Reading
Case #201
Leo worked hard on a project, but he dropped it and it broke. He is sitting quietly at his desk with his head down.
Q1: What might Leo be thinking and feeling right now?
Q2: What is something you could say to him that might help him feel better?
Case #202
You are playing a game with Sarah. You keep winning. You are excited and cheer loudly, "I'm the best! You can't beat me!"
Q1: How do you think Sarah feels about your cheering?
Q2: What would happen to your friendship if you kept cheering like that?
Module 03: Solution Scouting
Case #301
You are working in a group. Another student keeps talking and won't let you share. You feel your face getting hot.
Q1: Is this a Glitch (tiny), a Hiccup (small), or a Roadblock (medium/big) problem?
Q2: What can you do to handle your "hot face" feeling before you speak?
SOCIAL SKILLS INVESTIGATION ASSESSMENT © 2026 INVESTIGATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES
Evidence Logger Score Sheet Evidence Logger
CLINICIAN SCORING & OBSERVATION FORM
LEVEL 1 AUTISM SPECIFIC
Student:
Investigator:
Date:
Skill Domain Key Observables Rating (1-4) Conversation Initiation Timing of entry, "hook" statement usage, body orientation. 1
2
3
4
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| Social Flexibility | Topic shifting, listening behavior (staying on topic). |
1
2
3
4
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| Perspective Taking | Identifying others' feelings, predicting thoughts. |
1
2
3
4
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| Hidden Rules | Sportsmanship, understanding impact on others. |
1
2
3
4
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| Problem Solving | Problem sizing, self-regulation strategies. |
1
2
3
4
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Observation Notes (Evidence)
Scenario Responses (Verbatim or Paraphrased):
Non-Verbal Behaviors:
Resistance / Difficulty:
Rating Legend: 1 = Emerging (Needs direct support), 2 = Developing (Inconsistent/Scaffolded), 3 = Proficient (Independent with minor cues), 4 = Advanced (Consistent across contexts)
Investigative Learning Assessment Protocol
Goal Strategist Guide Teacher Resource Goal Strategist
Translation Guide: From Evidence to IEP Goals
Educator
The Grade 4 Level 1 Profile
At 4th grade, social expectations shift from "playing together" to "complex group dynamics" and "social nuances." Students with Level 1 Autism often have strong verbal skills but struggle with the hidden curriculum —the unstated rules of social interaction. Look for "logical but literal" responses in the assessment.
Goal Development Pathways
IF THE STUDENT STRUGGLES WITH: Perspective Taking
Skill Gap (Cases #201, #202)
Difficulty predicting how their behavior (like loud cheering) affects others' "social battery" or feelings.
Sample Goal
"Given a social scenario, the student will identify two possible feelings of others and one perspective-aligned response in 4/5 opportunities."
IF THE STUDENT STRUGGLES WITH: Conversation Nuance
Skill Gap (Cases #101, #102)
Difficulty with timing of entry into a group or politely ending/shifting a topic when bored.
Sample Goal
"When joining a peer group, the student will wait for a natural pause and use a topic-connected opener in 80% of trials over 2 weeks."
IF THE STUDENT STRUGGLES WITH: Problem Sizing
Skill Gap (Case #301)
Reacting to small glitches (someone else talking) with big emotions (clenching fists).
Sample Goal
"When faced with a social conflict, the student will accurately label the 'size of the problem' and select a matching regulation strategy in 4/5 instances."
Observation Pro-Tips
Wait 5-10 seconds for a response to allow for processing time.
Note if the student uses "scripted" language vs. original thoughts.
Observe if they use eye gaze or body orientation when role-playing.
Check for "all-or-nothing" thinking in problem-solving answers.
Conversation Hooks Slides Detective Training: Level 01
Conversation
Connection Mastery
Learning how to join the group and keep the "talk-loop" going.
Master Topic Entry
The Art of the Hook
Joining the Group
Entering a conversation is like merging onto a busy highway. You have to find the Natural Pause.
Wait: Stand 2-3 feet away and listen first.Watch: Look for a break in the talking.Wedge: Step in and use a "Hook."
Detective Clue
"If you talk over someone, you break the connection."
The Conversation Hook
The Question
"Hey, did you see that new trailer for the game?"
The Add-On
"I agree! That boss fight was actually really hard."
The Compliment
"I love your shirt! Is that a Minecraft creeper?"
Keeping the Talk-Loop
Social Traffic Rules:
Give a turn, take a turn. If you take 5 turns in a row, the loop breaks!
Check the Gas:
Is your friend still looking at you? Are they nodding? If not, the conversation might be out of gas!
Connect • Balance • Listen
Social Entry Checklist Worksheet Social Entry Checklist
Field Guide: Operation Connection
Confidential
Agent:
Date:
Phase 1: Wait & Watch
Am I 2-3 feet away from the group?
Topic:
Did I see a 1-2 second pause in talking?
Phase 2: Pick Your Hook
The Question
The Add-On
The Compliment
Draft Hook:
Phase 3: Talk-Loop
Me
Them
Mission Reflection
Group Reaction:
How was my timing?
Social Detective Academy • Module 1 JOIN-CONNECT-401
Perspective Powers Slides Detective Training: Level 02
Perspective
Taking Powers
Cracking the code of what others are thinking and feeling.
The Mind Mirror
Perspective taking is like having a Mind Mirror. It helps you see the world through someone else's eyes.
The Big Question:
"If I were them, what would I be thinking right now?"
"I'm confused..."
"This is fun!"
How to Hunt for Social Clues
The Eyes
Where are they looking? That's what they are thinking about!
The Body
Are they turned toward me? Are they "tight" or "loose"?
The Tone
High and fast (excited)? Low and slow (bored or sad)?
Case File #201
The Video Game Choice
The Situation:
"You want to play Minecraft, but your friend says they'd rather play Roblox. You keep insisting Minecraft is better and better."
Hunting for Clues:
They are looking at the floor.
They have stopped talking.
"What is in their thought bubble?"
Case File #202
The Broken Project
The Situation:
"Sarah just dropped her science project. It broke into three pieces. She is standing perfectly still."
Hunting for Clues:
Her eyes are wide and watery.
Her shoulders are hunched up.
"What is in her thought bubble?"
Thought Bubble Challenge Worksheet Thought Bubble Challenge
Level 2 Training: Mind Reader Protocols
S.I. DEPT.
Detective Name:
Date:
Use Social Clues to guess what others are thinking. Look for the clues and fill in the "Thought Bubble."
01
The Silent Shifter
"You are talking about your favorite show for 10 minutes. Your friend is looking at the clock and tapping their foot."
Clue Log:
Eyes: Looking at clock
Body: Tapping foot
02
The Homework Oops
"A classmate just realized they forgot their lunch at home. Their shoulders are hunched and their voice is quiet."
Clue Log:
Body: Hunched shoulders
Voice: Quiet tone
The Unexpected Pivot
If you realize someone has a Bored or Sad thought bubble because of something you are doing, what is your next move?
Social Detective Academy • Module 2 Mind-Reading-Protocol-102
Solution Scouting Slides Detective Training: Level 03
Solution
Scouting Strategies
Mastering the scale of social problems and finding the right-sized response.
The Problem Scale
The Glitch
Tiny
The Hiccup
Small
The Roadblock
Medium
The Crisis
Big
"The goal is a Matching Response. Don't use a fire hose for a glitch!"
Response Matchmaking: Part 1
Problem: The Glitch (Tiny)
"Someone accidentally bumped your arm while you were writing."
Matching Response:
Say "It's okay" and keep working. No adult needed.
Problem: The Hiccup (Small)
"You can't find your pencil, and the teacher is starting the work."
Matching Response:
Stay calm. Ask a neighbor to borrow a pencil.
Response Matchmaking: Part 2
Problem: The Roadblock (Medium)
"You are in a group, and the other students are leaving you out."
Matching Response:
Use a "Talk-Loop" strategy first. If it doesn't work, tell an adult.
Problem: The Crisis (Big)
"A student fell down and looks like they are really hurt."
Matching Response:
Stay calm and find an adult right away.
The 3-Step Scout Process
1
Size It
How big is this really?
2
Calm It
Take 1 deep breath.
3
Solve It
Pick a strategy.
Solution Scout Map Worksheet Solution Scout Map
Tactical Guide: Response Calibration
UNCLASSIFIED
Agent:
Mission:
01 Phase 1: Problem Scale
Glitch
Tiny
Hiccup
Small
Roadblock
Medium
Crisis
Big
Incident Report
"You are playing a game. They want to change the rules. You start to feel your chest get tight."
Assign Size:
Strategic Move
Self-Calm: Breathe and wait.
Negotiate: "Try both?"
Adult: Find a teacher.
My Strategic Toolkit
For a "Hot Face":
For a "Tight Chest":
Social Detective Academy • Module 3 Mission Log: SOLVE-CALM-401
