An additional diagnosis typically added to the ASD diagnosis is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We learned a great game to check our “engine speed” or level of intensity.

First you need to explain to your child each level.

Red is the color for high engine levels the feelings associated would be:

:: anger
:: screaming at a football game
:: excited about winning something
:: running away from something scary

Yellow is the color for low engine levels the feelings associated would be:

:: tired
:: being quiet
:: resting or taking a break
:: just waking up
:: thinking about something
:: sadness

Green is the color for just right engine levels the feelings associated would be:

:: going on a bike ride
:: reading a book
:: playing basketball
:: writing or doing homework
:: eating a meal
:: looking at something with a friend

Then get family photos out and take turns guessing the engine levels of each person in the picture. There are no right or wrong answers it’s just a great way to help your child to learn about how he/she might be feeling as well as how someone else might be feeling.

Kids with ASD have a hard time with monitoring this for themselves this is a fun way to help them.