Scary Chart

I am not sure if I posted about this in the past, but we use a "Scary Chart" with Thomas to help him give words to his feelings and to acknowledge them.  We used to use this chart several times a day, and it was part of our bedtime routine every night, but now we just use it as needed.   It has been a very powerful tool for Thomas that helps him have control over his feelings.

When Thomas would play one of our cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) games, interact with a peer, wave, be asked a question by a stranger, or basically any other interaction,  we would ask him in private how it felt on his scary chart and explain each feeling to him.... Not scary, a little scary, scary or super scary.  He would either point to the one or verbally tell me.  Then I'd ask him how we could work together to make it less scary next time.  A lot of times he would just say "I don't know," but as he got older he would sometimes give suggestions.

The scary chart is kept in his room now and is a tool we still use with him.  As you can see from the picture, it is much loved!  Even the page protector is a mess :)  He has always been willing to do his "Scary chart" and will sometimes request it.  I think it really helps him have control over his feelings.