Feelings & body-signals chart

Five levels, the body signals that come with each, and what actually helps at that level.

For: Parents, teachers, autistic adults · Free to print, copy and share · No sign-up

How do I help my autistic child name their feelings?

Pair each feeling with the body signal that comes with it and one thing that helps at that level. Naming a feeling is much easier when there is a physical cue to attach it to — a fast heart, hot face, tight hands — and when the chart says what to do next, not just what to call it.

Get the PDF See all printables

The PDF is built in your browser on the next screen — nothing is saved or emailed.

How to use it

  1. Fill in the body signals in your child's own words, not clinical ones.
  2. Add one or two things that genuinely help at each level.
  3. Point to the chart when things are calm so it is familiar before it is needed.
  4. Let them point instead of speaking. Pointing counts as communicating.
  5. Never ask them to identify a feeling at the peak — use it on the way up or down.
  6. Cut out the small cards for the school bag or the calm corner.

Things worth knowing

Where a paper sheet stops

A printed sheet is fixed. It can't change when the routine changes, it doesn't know the person using it, and it can't put anything in writing for a school or clinic.

Want this made for your situation?

Nova has in-the-moment regulation tools and can suggest what to put in the 'what helps' column for your situation.

Nova is a support companion for autistic people, families and the professionals who help them. Every printed sheet carries a scannable code and this short link: portal.novaautism.com/s/feelings-chart

Try Nova's calm tools Get the PDF

Other free printables

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Blank picture-and-word boxes for a morning, school, or bedtime routine.

First / Then card

Two big boxes: what happens first, what happens after. The simplest transition support there is.

Sensory profile checklist

Work through each sense and mark what soothes, what overwhelms, and what's still unclear.

Social story template

A blank, first-person story frame for a new place, a change, or something that keeps going wrong.

This sheet is a practical support, not medical, legal, or diagnostic advice.