Students with disabilities are more likely to experience difficulties with emotional regulation and social interactions than their peers, which can lead to poor academic performance, behavior incidents, and social isolation.

Unfortunately, social and emotional interventions usually focus on compliance rather than addressing the root causes of these challenges, which is ineffective and harmful, especially for neurodivergent students. Neurodiversity-affirming MTSS interventions provide students with the tools to navigate social and emotional challenges in ways that align with their unique strengths and needs.

Here are nine social and emotional (SEL) MTSS interventions for neurodivergent students:

Tier 1: Universal Interventions (Whole-Class Strategies)

Social Skills Instruction

• Integrate social skills lessons into the general curriculum to teach all students essential interpersonal skills, such as initiating conversations, understanding non-verbal cues, and practicing active listening.
• These lessons can be delivered through role-playing, direct teaching, or video modeling to support comprehension.
• These lessons on conflict resolution, problem-solving, and teamwork give students the opportunity to practice valuable social skills.

Classroom Visual Supports

• Use visual aids such as schedules, coping strategy posters, and behavior and social options charts to provide clear and consistent cues.
• These aids help autistic students comprehend daily routines and support their self-awareness and self-advocacy.
• These tools can also reduce anxiety and improve their ability to navigate social interactions with confidence.

Mindfulness Activities

• Incorporate mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or short sensory breaks, into the daily routine.
• These practices promote emotional regulation and self-awareness among all students, benefiting autistic individuals by providing strategies to manage stress and sensory sensitivities.

Tier 2: Targeted Interventions (Small-Group Supports)

Social Skills Groups

• Form small groups that meet regularly to practice specific social skills such as how to disagree respectfully and recognize emotions in others.
• Facilitated by a counselor or trained educator, these sessions provide autistic students with guided opportunities to enhance their social interactions.
• Social Cipher’s curriculum and online game, Ava, includes lessons and activities to support small groups in developing their social skills.

Peer Mentoring Programs

• Pair students with empathetic peers who can offer support during social activities.
• Lesson like Self-Awareness Through Peer Interviews support students in building trust and practicing active listening.
• These structured partnerships also help build confidence, increase social engagement, and foster meaningful connections.

Check-In/Check-Out System

• Implement a system where students have brief, scheduled meetings with a designated staff member at the beginning and end of each day.
• These check-ins provide opportunities to review daily goals, discuss challenges, provide encouragement, and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Quickly record the check-in/check-out on a simple form.

Tier 3: Intensive Interventions (Individualized Supports)

Individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

• Develop personalized BIPs based on functional behavior assessments to address specific social or emotional challenges.
• These plans are informed by functional behavior assessments and outline specific strategies, reinforcement techniques, and accommodations tailored to the student’s unique needs.
• Regular monitoring ensures effectiveness and necessary adjustments.

One-on-One Sessions

• Provide individualized sessions with a school psychologist, counselor, or related service provider trained in autism-specific strategies.
• These sessions can focus on emotional regulation, coping mechanisms, and personalized social skills training, offering a safe space for students to express themselves and develop essential skills.
• Social Cipher’s online game, Ava, provides a personalized experience for students who need additional support. Designed by a neurodiverse team, Ava can be used to help students strengthen specific skills and provide facilitators with insights into their progress.

Family Involvement and Training

• Engage families in the intervention process by offering training sessions and resources to reinforce social and emotional skills at home.
• Develop a student specific plan that allows all parties to fully participate and work toward the success of the student.
• Collaboration between school and home ensures consistency and provides a comprehensive support system for the student.

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