Lesson Plan
Catch the Calm Lesson Plan
Guide an 8th-grade student with autism to recognize social triggers, identify emotions, and apply CBT-based strategies to replace spitting with appropriate attention-seeking behaviors.
Students with autism often use maladaptive behaviors to seek attention. Teaching trigger recognition and CBT techniques promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive social interactions.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Introduction & Rapport
10 minutes
Step 2
Trigger Identification
20 minutes
Step 3
Feelings & Thoughts Exploration
20 minutes
Step 4
Alternative Behavior Training
20 minutes
Step 5
Self-Monitoring & Reinforcement
15 minutes
Step 6
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Catch the Calm
Today’s Agenda
Materials
Introduction & Rapport
Trigger Identification
Using the Feelings Trigger Chart
Feelings & Thoughts Exploration
CBT Thought Record Worksheet
Alternative Behavior Strategies
Self-Monitoring & Reinforcement
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Worksheet
Worksheet
Activity
Worksheet
Activity
Activity
