Asking for Help

Scenario

Mrs. Daniels is a fictional teacher at your school. You have been feeling unwell because you are experiencing some overwhelming emotions. You want to talk to your parents about your feelings, but you are nervous about how they may react. Mrs. Daniels is a trusted adult and may be able to help start the conversation with your parents.

During the conversation, learners will practice speaking with Mrs. Daniels about their current emotional state and ask for her assistance in setting a discussion about their feelings with their parents.

Asking for emotional assistance can be a significant barrier for black autistic youth. Due to a combination of cultural stigmas and norms, such as viewing help-seeking as a sign of weakness or emphasizing self-reliance, this can discourage youths within this population from seeking support. There may also be limited awareness and understanding of autism within black communities, leading to misunderstandings about the needs of autistic youth. All of these factors, including communication challenges associated with autism, create a complex environment that often hinders black autistic youth from accessing the mental health assistance they need.

*per level of play

Teaching Objectives:

• Demonstrating an Ability to Initiate a Conversation with a Teacher
• Communicating Emotions Using Effective Language
• Requesting Assistance from a Teacher to Communicate with Parents

Included in Training:

• A Training Guide with information on understanding depression.
• A Simulated Conversation with a varied character to prepare learners to share their emotions and communicate with a trusted individual for assistance.
• Comprehensive Feedback during and after each play to help guide skill development.

This training was developed in collaboration with Ed-Dee G. Williams, an assistant professor at Boston College School of Social Work.