Free communication worksheet
A swipe can be an attempt to say no.
Before a child is labeled aggressive, document what happened, what changed, and what they may have been trying to communicate.
Describe before you diagnose
This worksheet gives parents and school teams a shared record. It does not excuse harm. It helps the adults find the cause and teach a safer way to communicate.
Before You Label It “Behavior”
What happened immediately before?
Transition, demand, noise, pain, hunger, loss of access, unfamiliar person, communication breakdown, or something else.
Describe only what you saw.
Avoid labels such as “bad,” “defiant,” or “aggressive.” Record the action, duration, setting, and people present.
What might the child have been communicating?
No. Stop. Help. Break. Pain. Too loud. I do not understand. I need movement. I want that.
What support was offered?
What will we try next time?
Name the communication tool, environmental change, prompt, or regulation support. Name who is responsible and when the plan will be reviewed.