Positive Communication Cue Cards

These cards are designed to help you replace inappropriate language with positive phrases. During our session, we will use these cue cards to remind us of the new, kind, and respectful phrases you can use when a trigger occurs.

How to Use the Cue Cards:

1. Keep Them Handy: Always have the cue cards nearby so you can quickly see them when needed.
   
   
   

2. Recognize Your Trigger: When you feel like echoing a phrase, take a moment to look at your cue cards.
   
   
   

3. Choose a Positive Phrase: Pick one of the phrases written on the card that you want to say instead.
   
   
   

4. Say It Out Loud: Practice saying the phrase slowly and clearly.
   
   
   

5. Repeat Practice: The more you use them, the easier it will become. During our role-playing exercises, try to refer to your cue cards if you need help.

Examples of Positive Phrases on the Cue Cards:

• "I can choose kind words"
• "I choose to be respectful"
• "I am in control of what I say"

Practice Activity

Role-Playing Exercise:

Imagine a situation where you might otherwise echo an inappropriate phrase. Now, take out your cue card and select a positive phrase to use instead. Repeat the phrase until it feels natural and positive.

Remember, these cue cards are here to support you. They are a tool to help you build confidence in using positive language in all your interactions.

Happy practicing!

Visual Support Chart

This chart is designed to serve as a quick reference during our session. It reinforces the positive phrases and strategies we’ve discussed, acting as a visual reminder to choose appropriate language instead of echoing negative or inappropriate phrases.

Key Sections of the Chart:

1. Positive Phrases:

   • "I can choose kind words"
   • "I choose to be respectful"
   • "I am in control of what I say"

2. Trigger Identification:

   • A brief list of common situations where echolalia may occur.
   • Suggestions on what to do when you feel triggered (e.g., pause, look at the chart, select a positive phrase).

3. Steps to Use the Chart:

   • Step 1: Notice the trigger or the urge to repeat a phrase.
   • Step 2: Quickly refer to the chart to view positive phrases.
   • Step 3: Choose and repeat a positive phrase that fits the situation.

How to Use the Chart:

• During a Trigger: Look at the chart to remind yourself of your new responses.
• After the Session: Review the chart and practice saying the phrases out loud to build a stronger habit.

This chart is here to help you remember the strategies from our session. It's a tool to support you every time you need a quick reminder to use positive language.

Happy practicing and remember: you are in control of the words you choose!

Role-Playing Scenarios

These scenarios are designed to help you practice using positive language when you feel triggered to echo inappropriate or repeated phrases. Each scenario provides a situation that might occur in everyday life. Your goal is to practice choosing a positive replacement phrase from your cue cards.

Scenario 1: At School in the Hallway

Situation: You're walking in the hallway and hear a phrase that reminds you of something from a movie. In the past, you might have repeated it aloud.

Teacher Prompt: "Imagine you hear a phrase that makes you want to repeat it. What positive phrase can you use instead?"

Student Practice:




(Repeat a positive phrase such as "I can choose kind words")

Scenario 2: During Group Work

Situation: While working with your classmates, someone says something that reminds you of a movie line you know. Instead of repeating the negative phrase, you have the chance to use your new positive language.

Teacher Prompt: "When you feel like repeating something inappropriate, what positive phrase from your cue cards can you use to express yourself?"

Student Practice:




(Practice saying a positive phrase, for example: "I choose to be respectful")

Scenario 3: At Recess

Situation: You're playing at recess and feel the urge to echo an inappropriate phrase you heard in a movie earlier.

Teacher Prompt: "If you suddenly remember that phrase, how can you quickly switch to a positive phrase? Speak it out loud as a new habit."

Student Practice:




(Answer using a positive phrase such as "I am in control of what I say")

Scenario 4: With a Friend

Situation: A friend accidentally uses language or a phrase that might trigger you, and you feel like echoing it. This is your chance to practice self-regulation.

Teacher Prompt: "When you feel triggered, how can you use your cue cards to choose a positive alternative?"

Student Practice:




(Choose and verbalize a positive replacement phrase)

Follow-Up Questions:

• How did it feel to pick a positive phrase instead of repeating the negative one?
  
  
  
• What strategies helped you remember your cue cards during these situations?
  
  
  
• Can you think of any other scenarios where you might use these positive phrases?

Remember, the more you practice these scenarios, the easier it will become to use positive language naturally. Great job practicing your new skills!