Thought Filter Slides WORDS IN THE WILD • LESSON 1
Thought Filter Quest
Mastering the superpower of Brain Bubbles vs. Public Voice in community spaces.
Private Brain Bubble
The 3-Second Filter
Public Words Radar
Core Concept
The Two Types of Words
Slide 2 of 6
Brain Bubble (Private)
• Stays completely inside your head.
• Thoughts you can feel or notice about clothes, smells, boredom, or surprises.
• Safe Rule: Not everything you think needs to be heard by strangers.
💭 Example: "That man has neon green hair!"
Mouth Voice (Public)
• Travels into the room for everyone to hear.
• Words that are helpful, kind, or necessary for getting things done.
• Safe Rule: Protects people's feelings and maintains calm spaces.
🗣️ Example: "Excuse me, where is the elevator?"
Key Rule: You never get in trouble for thinking a thought. You choose which thoughts get a microphone!
ADHD Pause Tool
The 3-Second Filter Check
Slide 3 of 6
1. Is it Kind?
Will saying this make someone feel embarrassed, hurt, or self-conscious in front of others?
2. Is it Helpful?
Does this comment solve a problem, keep someone safe, or give useful information right now?
3. Needed Here?
Does a stranger in a store or bus need to know my opinion, or can I save it for home?
If ANY answer is "NO", keep it inside your Brain Bubble!
Keep It Private
Practice Challenge
What Would You Do?
Slide 4 of 6
Grocery Store Checkout
Thought: "This cashier is moving way too slow!"
Keep in Brain Bubble
Public Library Desk
Thought: "I cannot find the graphic novel section."
Say It Politely
Public Bus
Thought: "That person's perfume smells really weird!"
Keep in Brain Bubble
Notice: Stating personal opinions about people's looks or smells belongs in the Brain Bubble!
Fast-Brain Strategy
The 3-Step Blurting Brake
Slide 5 of 6
1
BRAKE
Press your lips together. Take one quiet breath through your nose.
2
CHECK
Ask: Is this kind? Helpful? Does a stranger really need to know?
3
CHOOSE
Either lock it in your brain or speak using your polite public voice.
💡 Pro Tip: Squeezing a fidget or tapping your leg gives your fast ADHD brain something to do while filtering!
Mission Briefing
Your Public Word Mission
Slide 6 of 6
Today's Public Practice Goals:
✓
Catch at least ONE thought today and choose to keep it in your Brain Bubble.
✓
Use the 3-Second Brake whenever you feel the urge to blurt out in a quiet or public place.
✓
Complete the Think It Say It Worksheet to earn your Social Radar Badge!
Ready to train your Brain Bubble? Let's open the worksheet! →
Think It Say It Worksheet Words in the Wild • Lesson 1
Think It or Say It Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Brain Bubble (Private)
Thoughts about appearances, smells, boredom, or impatience. Keep these inside your mind.
Mouth Voice (Public)
Kind words, polite questions, and helpful requests needed for safety or communication.
1
Community Sorting Challenge
(Read each statement and check the best choice)
At the grocery store checkout
"This cashier is moving way too slow!"
Brain Bubble
Mouth Voice
At the library reference desk
"Excuse me, could you show me where the science books are?"
Brain Bubble
Mouth Voice
Riding the city bus
"That passenger smells weird and their shoes look ridiculous."
Brain Bubble
Mouth Voice
At a park drinking fountain
"May I have a turn after you finish?"
Brain Bubble
Mouth Voice
Waiting in line at a movie theater
"The person in front of us is taking forever to pick popcorn!"
Brain Bubble
Mouth Voice
At a restaurant counter
"Thank you for my sandwich. Have a great afternoon."
Brain Bubble
Mouth Voice
2
My Brain Bubble Rule
Why is it okay to have private thoughts about people, as long as we keep them inside our head?
Page 1 of 2 • Continue on Next Page →
Words in the Wild • Lesson 1
Thought Rewriter & Impulse Brake
Part 2
3
The Polite Rewriter Challenge
Sometimes you need to speak up, but your first thought might sound rude. Rewrite the thought into a polite public sentence, or choose to stay silent.
Scenario A: Hallway / Store Need: Someone is blocking the aisle
First Impulsive Thought: "Get out of my way right now!"
Rewrite into a polite Mouth Voice request:
Scenario B: School / Community Center Need: Someone bumped your arm by accident
First Impulsive Thought: "You are clumsy and blind!"
Rewrite into a calm public response:
Scenario C: Doctor's Waiting Room Need: You are feeling very impatient
First Impulsive Thought: "This place is boring and I hate this doctor!"
Filter Coach Teacher Guide Words in the Wild • Facilitation Guide
Filter Coach Teacher Guide
Lesson 1 Coaching
Neurodiversity-Affirming Framing: Thoughts are Never "Bad"
Autistic and ADHD individuals often process visual and sensory discrepancies at high speed. Blurting is rarely malicious; it stems from fast pattern recognition combined with delayed executive impulse inhibition. Emphasize that thinking a thought is always neutral and acceptable —the skill is simply choosing whether to broadcast it to strangers.
Instructional Pacing Guide (30-40 Minutes)
1 Direct Teaching (10 min)
Walk through Thought Filter Slides . Use physical gestures: tap temple for Brain Bubble; cup hands around mouth for Mouth Voice.
2 Guided Rehearsal (15 min)
Complete Page 1 of Think It Say It Worksheet together. Practice saying raw thoughts in silly whisper voices to release energy.
3 Roleplay & Transfer (10 min)
Stage "Supermarket Checkout". Flash prompt card: student executes 3-Second Brake (lips closed, deep nose breath, silent thumbs up).
ADHD Blurting Intervention Toolkit
The "Secret Tap" Silent Cue: Agree on a private visual prompt (two taps on your chin or touching your watch) before entering community spaces to prime impulse braking.
Motor Substitution: Giving hands something tactile (pocket fidget stone, stretchy sensory ring) reduces speech pressure by routing motor urgency elsewhere.
"Write It, Don't Shout It" Pad: Keep a pocket-sized notepad. If an intense observation comes up, the student jots or scribbles it down to share privately later.
Pre-Briefing (Prime the Setting): Before entering a store: "We are in Target. If we see unusual clothes or hair, where does that thought live? Brain Bubble!"
IEP / Goal Tracking Rubric
Observable Skill Emerging (Level 1) Developing (Level 2) Proficient (Level 3) Concept Distinction Identifies private vs. public with heavy prompting (>3 cues). Correctly classifies 4/6 public scenarios with 1 verbal cue. Independently explains why a remark belongs in Brain Bubble (80%+). Inhibition & Pausing Blurts aloud; recognizes after negative social reaction. Pauses when given pre-arranged adult secret visual gesture. Self-initiates 3-second brake in community simulations across 3 trials.
Calm Voice Slides WORDS IN THE WILD • LESSON 2
Calm Voice Shield
How to ask for what you need, protect your sensory space, and speak with calm confidence.
Polite Power Requests
Sensory Self-Advocacy
Calm Disagreement
Formula for Success
The 3-Part Request Formula
Slide 2 of 6
Step 1
Gentle Signal
Get attention calmly without touching or interrupting.
🗣️ "Excuse me..."
Step 2
Clear Ask
Name exactly what you need in one simple sentence.
🗣️ "May I please have..."
Step 3
Polite Close
Acknowledge the other person with appreciation.
🗣️ "Thank you so much!"
✨ Magic Result: When you use all 3 steps, people in public want to help you right away!
Public Scripts
Four Public Power Requests
Slide 3 of 6
1. Asking for Help
When you cannot find an item in a grocery store or library:
"Excuse me, could you tell me where the restrooms are?"
2. Asking for Personal Space
When someone stands too close in line or on a bus:
"Excuse me, could you give me a little bit of room, please?"
3. Asking for an Item
When an item is out of reach or behind the checkout counter:
"Could you please hand me that blue folder on the shelf?"
4. Getting Attention Calmly
When your adult or a worker is talking to someone else:
"Excuse me, when you have a moment, I have a quick question."
Notice: No screaming, pulling clothes, or shoving. Words do the heavy lifting!
Sensory Power
When Public Spaces Overload You
Slide 4 of 6
The Danger Zone (Meltdown)
When noise, bright fluorescent lights, or big crowds build up inside your body, holding it until you explode can lead to screaming or bolting away.
⚠️ Shouting "SHUT UP! I HATE THIS STORE!" makes situations scary.
The Calm Advocacy Shield
Use the "I Need" Script early—before your internal battery drops to 0%:
🔊 "This sound is too loud. I need my headphones."
🧘 "I am getting overwhelmed. Can we step outside?"
Your sensory needs are 100% valid. Using calm words gets you relief much faster!
Request and Reset Activity Sheet Words in the Wild • Lesson 2
Request & Reset Activity Sheet
Name:
Date:
1 "Excuse me..."
2 "May I please have..."
3 "Thank you!"
1
Public Request Studio
Write what you would say in your calm public voice using the 3-step formula.
Scenario A: Public Library Need: You cannot find graphic novels
What do you say to the librarian?
Scenario B: School Cafeteria Line Need: Another student is standing right on your heels
What do you say to request personal space?
Scenario C: Grocery Store with Parent Need: Parent is chatting, but you need to go to the bathroom
How do you get their attention politely without pulling or screaming?
2
Disagreeing Without Exploding
A peer tells you: "Minecraft is a baby game. Fortnite is the only cool game."
❌ Rude Blurt: "You are stupid and your opinion is garbage!"
✅ Calm Voice: "I actually enjoy Minecraft building, but it's cool that you like Fortnite."
Your Turn: Write a calm disagreement to someone who dislikes your favorite food:
Page 1 of 2 • Flip Over for Sensory Cards →
Words in the Wild • Lesson 2
Sensory Radar & Pocket Shield Cards
Part 2
3
My Public Sensory Barometer
Check the public triggers that fill your stress tank, and identify your warning signal before an explosion happens:
My Biggest Public Triggers (Check 2):
Sirens or sudden loud beeps Bright buzzing fluorescent lights Crowded aisles / people brushing past Strong cleaning odors or food smells
My Body Clues That I Need a Break:
Clenched fists or tight jaw Fast racing heartbeat Urge to cover ears or close eyes Feeling dizzy or snappy
4
Cut-Out Pocket Voice Shield Cards
Cut along dotted lines & keep in pocket!
CARD 1: SENSORY BREAK
"The environment here is too loud/bright for me. I need to step outside for 2 minutes."
Show this to your adult or teacher
CARD 2: PERSONAL SPACE
"Excuse me, could you please give me an arm's length of personal space? Thank you."
Say calmly with hands at your side
CARD 3: PUBLIC HELP
"Excuse me, could you please help me find the ________? Thank you for your time."
Calm Advocacy Teacher Guide Words in the Wild • Facilitation Guide
Calm Advocacy Teacher Guide
Lesson 2 Coaching
Clinical Insight: Sensory Overload is Neurological, Not Behavioral
When a neurodivergent child snaps or yells in public (e.g. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" ), their nervous system is often in a fight-or-flight sympathetic surge triggered by sensory saturation (acoustic echoes, flickering LEDs, spatial crowding). Punishing the tone during overload exacerbates distress. The intervention goal is equipping them with rapid, low-friction self-advocacy scripts before they reach autonomic collapse.
Prompt Fading Hierarchy for Community Requests
Phase 1: Full Model
Adult whispers script: "Say: Excuse me, where is..." Student repeats phrase.
Phase 2: Partial Prompt
Adult provides verbal starter: "Excuse me..." and gestures to the worker.
Phase 3: Visual Cue
Adult silently hands or points to the Pocket Shield Card in the student's hand.
Phase 4: Independent
Student self-identifies need and initiates the 3-step formula without adult prompt.
Community Outing Facilitation Protocols
Pre-Outing Sensory Audit: Before stepping into a crowded store, review the Sensory Barometer : "What number is your battery right now? If it drops to 2, what script do you use?"
Step 1
Non-Verbal Pocket Card Alternative: For non-speaking or selectively mute moments during shutdown, teach the student to silently hand the pocket card to the caregiver or cashier.
Step 2
Immediate Positive Reinforcement: Instantly praise advocacy: "I loved how you asked for space using calm words instead of pushing! That kept both of you comfortable."
Step 3
IEP Progress Measurement Criteria
Target Competency Prompted Baseline Mastery Criterion Polite Public Requesting Uses physical gestures, grabs, or single-word demands ("Gimme"). Uses 3-step formula ("Excuse me... please... thank you") in 4/5 community trials. Sensory Self-Advocacy Shouts, covers ears, or bolts without verbal warning. Uses verbal script or pocket card to request break prior to meltdown in 80% of opportunities.
💡 Quick Coach Reminder: Keep laminated copies of the
Community Chat Slides WORDS IN THE WILD • LESSON 3
Community Chat Sparks
Mastering real-world greetings, turn-taking, and smooth exits in public places.
Friendly Greetings
Conversation Catch
Smooth Polite Exits
The Roadmap
The 4 Public Chat Steps
Slide 2 of 6
Step 1
Green Light Greeting
Smile and acknowledge the person.
"Hi, good morning!"
Step 2
Small Topic Spark
Say one sentence about the shared place.
"Great weather today!"
Step 3
Toss the Ball
Listen and ask a question back.
"How is your day going?"
Step 4
Smooth Exit
Wrap up politely before walking away.
"Have a great day, bye!"
Every public chat has a start, a quick turn-taking middle, and a polite ending!
Turn-Taking Metaphor
Conversation is Like Catch
Slide 3 of 6
Tossing the Ball Back
When you speak 1 or 2 sentences , you pass the invisible ball to the other person.
"I really like trains. Do you ever take the subway downtown?"
✓ Result: The other person feels included and enjoys talking with you.
Holding the Ball (Hyperfocus)
When we talk for 5 straight minutes about our special interest without pausing, we freeze them out.
"Let me tell you all 48 locomotive model numbers built in 1984..."
⚠️ Result: Strangers in stores get overwhelmed or look uncomfortable.
ADHD Tip: Share a spark of your interest, then pause and ask what they like!
Social Radar
Public Traffic Lights
Slide 4 of 6
🟢
Green Light
Making eye contact, smiling, standing still, no line behind them.
Ready for a short, friendly conversation!
🟡
Yellow Light
Looking at their watch or phone, walking briskly, short one-word answers.
Wrap it up quickly and say goodbye!
🔴
Red Light
Wearing big headphones, on a phone call, running to catch a train.
Do not start a chat. Give them quiet space.
Look at the person's face and body before starting to speak!
Polite Endings
Conversation Trail Worksheet Words in the Wild • Lesson 3
Conversation Trail Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Conversation Ping-Pong Rule
Say 1 or 2 sentences, then toss the invisible ball back with a question or friendly closing.
Turn Taking
1
Community Comic Strip: Fill the Speech Bubbles
Write what you would say in each situation to keep the conversation smooth and polite:
Scene A: Checkout Counter Green Light: Cashier smiles warmly
Cashier says:
"Good afternoon! Did you find everything you were looking for today?"
Your Turn (Friendly answer + thank you):
Scene B: Community Park Neighbor is walking a golden retriever
Your Turn (Polite greeting + ask to pet dog):
Neighbor replies:
"Yes, he loves kids! His name is Barnaby. He is two years old."
Scene C: Public Library Desk Yellow Light: Librarian answered your question & answers phone
Librarian says:
"Here is the book you requested. Enjoy reading it!"
Your Smooth Exit (Polite wrap-up):
Page 1 of 2 • Continue to Turn-Taking Radar →
Words in the Wild • Lesson 3
Conversation Catch Radar
Part 2
2
Ball Toss vs. Ball Hog
Check whether each statement is Tossing the Ball (turn-taking) or Holding the Ball (talking too long):
"I like drawing spaceships. What kind of things do you like to draw?"
Toss the Ball
Hold the Ball
Talking for 4 minutes straight about every weapon in a video game without letting the other person speak.
Toss the Ball
Hold the Ball
"That jacket looks really warm! Where did you get it?"
Toss the Ball
Hold the Ball
Walking away in the middle of someone speaking without saying goodbye.
Toss the Ball
Hold the Ball
3
My Favorite Polite Exit Phrase
Write down your favorite "go-to" closing sentence you can memorize for grocery lines or bus stops:
Public Words Graduate Certificate
This certifies mastery of Brain Bubble Filtering, Calm Power Requests, and Turn-Taking!
Coach Signature:
Community Chat Teacher Guide Words in the Wild • Facilitation Guide
Community Chat Teacher Guide
Lesson 3 Coaching
Coaching Monologues Without Crushing Enthusiasm
"Info-dumping" on special interests is a core neurodivergent expression of joy and connection. However, in brief public interactions (cashiers, bus stops), community members often have limited time. Teach the learner to use the "Spark and Pass" rule : share one exciting fact, then invite the other person into the exchange.
Community Outing Preparation (Field Trip Ready)
1 Before Leaving (Pre-Brief)
Review destination traffic lights: "The cashier has a green light for greetings, but yellow light for long stories because of the line behind us."
2 During Interaction (Live)
Stand 2 steps behind. Use the subtle "toss ball" hand gesture if the learner talks past 3 sentences without checking in.
3 Immediate Debrief (Car/Walk)
Praise specifics: "You noticed the cashier was packing bags, said 'Thank you, have a good day', and stepped aside smoothly. Excellent radar!"
The "Special Interest Parking Lot" Strategy
When ADHD impulsivity makes the student launch into a prolonged speech with an unfamiliar adult, avoid abruptly shushing them, which causes dysregulation.
Use the gentle redirect script: "That train fact is awesome! Let's park that in our Brain Bubble right now so the librarian can answer the next person, and you can tell me the full story when we get to the car."
IEP Mastery & Field Data Tracker
Target Skill Needs Cueing (Level 1) Independent (Level 3) Turn-Taking / Conversation Catch Requires physical/verbal prompt to pause speech and ask a partner question. Independently limits utterance to 1-2 sentences and asks partner a related question in 4/5 trials. Polite Public Closing Walks away without closing remark or continues speaking while partner walks off. Delivers appropriate closing ("Thank you, have a nice day") before departing across 3 settings.
🎓 Sequence Completion: Award the student their Public Words Graduate Certificate upon completing the community outing!
