Hurricane prep for neurodivergent kids: a parent plan
Hurricanes mean sudden changes, loud wind, and no routine. For kids with autism, ADHD, or big feelings, that is a setup for meltdowns. Here is what to pack, say, and do — before, during, and after.
Before the storm
- Show your child a photo or video of a hurricane so it is not a surprise.
- Pack a go-bag together: headphones, fidget, snack, water, tablet, charger, comfort item.
- Pick one safe room and practice sitting in it for 10 minutes.
- Write the plan on paper and tape it where your child can see it.
Go-bag checklist
- Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
- Favorite fidget or small toy
- Snack and water bottle
- Tablet + charger + downloaded shows
- Comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal)
- Change of clothes
- Medicine or medical info if needed
- Printed calm card with 3 scripts
Word-for-word scripts
When the storm is coming
A big storm is coming. We will stay together. I have a plan to keep us safe.
When the wind is loud
That sound is the wind. It is outside. We are inside and we are safe.
When your child is scared
I see you are scared. Hold my hand. Let's breathe together: in 1-2-3, out 1-2-3.
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When the behavior slides after the storm
Disasters shake routines. Meltdowns, sleep issues, and regression are normal. The Behavior GPS helps you document what is happening and build a calm-back plan that works at home and school.
You've got the free piece. Here's the whole map.
Free tools help in the moment. The Behavior Struggle Map gives you the step-by-step route from the hard moment to calm — built for your child.
Start tonight
The Behavior Struggle Map
$97$197
110 pieces in 12 kits
- Tonight's Script — word for word
- Meltdown Emergency Card (print it now)
- Behavior Tracker: spot it, stop it, support it, solve it
- School-ready summary for the teacher or IEP team
- + 106 more pages, cards and letters
12 kits · 110 ready-to-print pieces · was $197
What your $97 gets you
Every kit solves one hard part of your day. Nothing to build — open it, print it, use it.
Kit 1 · 10 pieces
Tonight — relief in 10 minutes
Kit 2 · 10 pieces
Spot the Clue
Kit 3 · 10 pieces
Daily Rhythm
Kit 4 · 10 pieces
Calm Tools
Kit 5 · 10 pieces
School Paper Trail
Kit 6 · 10 pieces
Meeting Day (IEP / 504)
Kit 7 · 8 pieces
Track & Prove
Kit 8 · 8 pieces
Slow Processing & Wait Time
Kit 9 · 12 pieces
Big Behaviors by Type
Kit 10 · 10 pieces
Kid-Facing Printables
Kit 11 · 6 pieces
Parent Care
Kit 12 · 6 pieces
Life Disruptions
How you use it
- Step 1 — Open tonight's kit: Pick the struggle you are in right now. Read the script out loud. Relief in about 10 minutes.
- Step 2 — Print the calm cards: Put them on the fridge and in your bag so anyone with your child knows the same 3 steps.
- Step 3 — Log what you saw: One line a day on the log page. In a week you can see the pattern behind the behavior.
- Step 4 — Hand the school the plan: Print the school summary and the letter. You walk in with facts, not a story.
How this solves your problem: the yelling and the meltdowns keep repeating because no one has named the clue behind them. The Map names the clue, gives you the words for the moment, and turns what happens at home into the documented plan the school will act on.
Not sure yet? Take the free 60-second quiz and we'll point you to the right one.
Bright Steps provides parent support and educational planning tools only and does not replace professional educational, medical, or emergency advice. Follow local emergency guidance.