Question 1

What is the Personal Alert Card and what is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

The Personal Alert Card is a tool for recognizing personal signals and taking action before they spill over into crisis. It helps individuals identify their emotional state, recognize warning signs, and implement control strategies to manage overwhelming situations.

Question 2

How does the Emotional Thermometer work in the alert system?

Accepted Answer

The Emotional Thermometer uses a color-coded system with four levels: Green (Quiet) - feeling good, Yellow (Vigilance) - a little tense and need to be careful, Orange (Alert) - close to overflowing and need help, and Red (Crisis) - totally overwhelmed.

Question 3

What are the four categories of personal alert signals mentioned in the card?

Accepted Answer

The four categories of personal alert signals are: Physical signals (tension in jaw, tense shoulders, accelerating heart), Behavioral signals (rocking movements, stare avoidance, need to manipulate objects), Cognitive signals (difficulty finding words, mental fog, accelerating thoughts), and Emotional signals (increasing irritability, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed).

Question 4

What types of control strategies are included in the Personal Alert Card?

Accepted Answer

The control strategies include breathing techniques, sensory techniques, movement techniques, anchoring techniques, and the use of personal control objects. These are tools that individuals can use to manage their stress and emotional state.

Question 5

When should someone implement their crisis plan according to the alert system?

Accepted Answer

The crisis plan should be implemented when someone reaches the orange (Alert) or red (Crisis) level on the emotional thermometer. At these levels, the person is either close to overflowing and needs help, or is totally overwhelmed and requires immediate intervention.

Question 6

Can individuals customize the Personal Alert Card with their own signals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, individuals are encouraged to check off the signals they recognize and add their own personal warning signs. The card is designed to be personalized, allowing users to identify their unique physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional signals that indicate rising stress levels.

My Personal Alert Signals
Card — DYNSEO

I am in full overload

I am close to overload

I feel a little tense

I feel good

💪 Physical Signals

🔄 Behavioural Signals

🧩 Cognitive Signals

💭 Emotional Signals

🫁 Breathing techniques

🤲 Sensory techniques

🏃 Movement techniques

🧘 Grounding techniques

🎯 My regulation objects

Remove myself from the situation

Reduce stimulation

Use my main technique

Call someone if needed

After the crisis: recover

📝 My phrase to say if I need to leave

👤 Priority contact #1

👤 Priority contact #2

🏥 Healthcare professional

📚 DYNSEO Training — Adult Autism

🧠 Session Report

⚠️ Alert signals identified

🆘 Crisis plan

🌡️ Emotional thermometer — Detail

🛠️ Regulation strategies — Detail

🆘 Crisis plan — Full detail

📞 Support contacts

+60 free tools for speech therapists & professionals

My Personal Alert SignalsCard — DYNSEO