Lesson 2 · 15 minutes
What to do during overload
Crisis and Overload Support
What this lesson covers
Safety-first guidance for what to do during overload during sensory or emotional overload.
Purpose
Help your family implement "What to do during overload" with dignity, predictability, and measurable progress.
Age / level
Adjust visuals and prompts to developmental level — works across childhood, teen, and adult profiles.
Materials
- Printed or digital visual schedule
- Communication board or AAC device
- Timer
- Preferred reward item
Step-by-step lesson plan
- 1Tell your child what will happen before you start (30–60 seconds preview).
- 2Use one clear prompt at a time. Wait 5–8 seconds before repeating.
- 3Offer a break card or gesture before frustration builds.
- 4Log completion and note what worked — this feeds your progress report.
- 5Celebrate effort with a short preferred activity, not a lecture.
How to prompt
Start with full physical or gestural support. Fade only after 3 calm, successful repetitions.
How to fade support
Move from hand-over-hand → gestural → independent. Never fade during overload.
Reward idea
Immediate, short, child-chosen activity (2–5 minutes).
Parent notes
Note sleep, hunger, sensory load, and transition timing in your log — patterns matter more than single sessions.
For your caseworker packet
Progress metric: Skill steps completed independently / with support (track per session)
Caregiver safety training — not crisis intervention billing. Document as psychoeducation.
Safety note
If anyone is at immediate risk of harm, call 911 or your local crisis line. This module supports overload response at home — it is not emergency clinical care.
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