Lesson Plan

Session 1: Discovering Stuck Thoughts

Students will learn what perseveration (stuck thoughts) means and practice identifying examples of stuck thinking using simple visuals and sorting activities.

Understanding stuck thoughts helps students notice when their minds fixate and gives them tools to reduce frustration and move on.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Definition

5 minutes

Step 2

Identify Stuck Thoughts

10 minutes

Step 3

Sorting Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Preview Coping Tool

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Discovering Stuck Thoughts

What Is a Stuck Thought?

Examples

Try the Worksheet

Sorting Activity

Next Time: Coping Tool

Worksheet

Activity

Game

Lesson Plan

Session 2: Coping Tools in Action

Students will learn and practice three simple coping tools—deep breaths, counting backward, and positive statements—to move on from stuck thoughts through modeling, role-play, and brief game practice, while adults learn strategies to respond when perseveration occurs.

Practicing coping tools helps students manage perseveration, reduce anxiety, and build confidence in shifting their thoughts forward. Adding adult strategies ensures consistent support when students get stuck.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Coping Tools

5 minutes

Step 2

Modeling Tool Use

8 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

7 minutes

Step 4

Adult Strategies for Perseveration

5 minutes

Step 5

Quick Game Practice

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Coping Tools in Action

Deep Breaths

Count Backward

Positive Statements

Adult Strategies for Perseveration

Role-Play Practice

Lesson Plan

Breaking The Loop Lesson Plan

In this three-part series, students will understand what perseveration (stuck thoughts) is, learn three simple coping tools, and practice using them through guided activities and a game to build flexibility.

Perseverating on thoughts can increase anxiety and block learning. This series helps students with autism notice when they’re stuck, gain visual, concrete coping strategies, and practice shifting their thinking.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1