Somatic Complaints

What are somatic complaints?The student may:

• Have frequent complaints of body aches (head, stomach, extremities) that have not been shown to have physiological origins

• Hold stomach, head, arm, etc

• Appear flushed, red faced, or pale

• Moan, whine, groan

• Go to the bathroom to vomit, use bathroom

• Indigestion or sour stomach after lunch

• Ask to go home due to not feeling well

• Ask to see the secretary or nurse for pains or aches

• Have migraines

• Develop hives, soars, blotches, or rashes

• Pass out, become unconscious, dizzy, light-headed, or disoriented

• Require lots of one-on-one attention

• Seem needy and overly reliant on others

• Low level of self initiative, independence, or responsibility

• Seizures

• Shaking and tremors

• Glazed or red eyes

• Cough and sneeze

• Limp or favor an extremity

Tier I Interventions

Before you start, a few important points:

• Try multiple interventions

• Try each intervention for a minimum of 4-weeks and over 1 intervention may be implemented at the same time.

• Further details on each intervention is linked here.

1. Acknowledging positive behavior

2. Alternative modes of completing assignments

3. Assign a buddy or partner

4. Break down assignment

5. Break down directions

6. Call parent or note home

7. Count to 10

8. Deep breathing

9. Draw a picture or write in a journal

10. Engage student

11. Explain assignment

12. Explain directions

13. Frequent home contact

14. Give choices

15. Have student repeat directions back

16. Help student start assignment

17. Helping Students With Home Work

18. Ignore

19. Listen to music

20. Move to a new location in the classroom

21. Praise when cooperative and well behaved

22. Praise when good attitude and involvement occur

23. Praise when on task

24. Proximity to students

25. Reassurance

26. Reflection sheet

27. Snack break

28. Speak with the student in hallway

29. Take a break

30. Take a break

31. Talk one on one with student

32. Talk to parent

33. Teach conflict resolution skills

34. Teach coping skills

35. Teach relationship skills

36. Teach relaxation techniques

37. Teach social skills

38. Touch base with student

39. Touch student on shoulder

40. Use timer

41. Visual schedule