A Three-Panel Tool for Children Who Struggle to Explain What Happened
Children who experience fast emotional spikes often find spoken storytelling difficult. When a strong reaction rises in the body, the verbal system slows down. This is common in children with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), ADHD, and other neurodivergent profiles. The moment something goes wrong, the words lock up before they can describe the event.
A visual method helps. Comic Strip Conversations, introduced by Carol Gray in the context of social communication support, offer a simple three-panel structure that gives children a clear sequence to follow. The process slows emotional intensity, lowers overwhelm, and supports perspective building.
This blog explains how to use the method, why it works, and where it fits within an RSD-supportive environment.
What Happens During an Emotional Spike
RSD reactions move fast due to the brain’s sensitivity to perceived criticism or failure. Neuropsychological studies show that the amygdala responds faster than the prefrontal cortex during emotionally charged moments. This creates a surge that interrupts verbal processing and planning.
When the brain moves into an alarm response, children struggle to explain:
- what happened
- what they felt
- what they needed
A visual sequence gives the brain anchors. Structured external support reduces cognitive load, which leads to clearer thinking.
How Comic Strip Conversations Work
The method uses three small panels drawn on a basic sheet of paper. No artistic skill is required. The simplicity is part of its strength.
Panel One: Event
This panel captures what took place.
The child can draw, write, label characters, or mark symbols.
Panel Two: Feeling
This panel captures the internal response.
Children might add colours, shapes, or expressive lines to communicate intensity.
Panel Three: Support
The final panel focuses on needs.
This can include comfort, space, help, a break, or a solution for next time.
Children fill the panels in any expression style that feels natural. The sequence helps the brain sort the experience in order rather than all at once.
Why This Method Lowers Overwhelm
- Sequencing replaces chaos
Placing events in order steadies emotional processing. - Visual distance regulates intensity
Externalising the story creates emotional space. The child is no longer inside the moment. They are observing it. - Reduced language pressure
Drawing or pointing requires less cognitive effort than speaking during a surge. - Perspective building
Children see that events, feelings, and needs are separate parts of a story. That distinction strengthens self-awareness.
Research on narrative therapy, social cognition, and emotional regulation confirms the value of visual scaffolding for children who experience emotional flooding.
When to Use Comic Strip Conversations
This method supports:
- shutdowns
- silent overwhelm
- quick shame reactions
- conflict at school
- homework frustration
- transitions where the story gets stuck
It works for children across age groups and learning profiles.
Practical Steps
- Draw three small boxes.
- Label them Event, Feeling, Support.
- Invite the child to fill each one.
- Keep the conversation slow and steady.
- Review the sequence together once the child finishes.
This process takes two to five minutes and brings clarity into moments that feel tangled.
Additional Tools for RSD Support
EducateAble offers a range of structured tools that build emotional safety for neurodivergent children. Pair Comic Strip Conversations with:
- the Name-Tag Reframing Technique
- the Emotion Scale Drawing
- the Grounding Sketch Activity
- visual check-ins during homework
- slow breath resets during transitions
These tools reduce intensity, build self-understanding, and strengthen communication.
Watch the Full Video Breakdown
The detailed explanation of Comic Strip Conversations and other RSD-friendly methods is available on the EducateAble YouTube channel. The video offers step-by-step demonstrations and examples from counselling sessions.
Watch on YouTube: EducateAble Channel
Free resource: RSD Support Kit
Work with me: Book Child Counselling 1:1
If you want a visual method that brings structure to emotional reactions and supports clearer communication, this three-panel approach is an effective starting point. It gives children a safe way to organise their inner world and move from overwhelm to clarity.
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