Make something easier
Try fewer instructions, a quieter space, extra time, or breaking a task into smaller parts.
Here's What We Can Do™ Learning Center
MySTACK™ for Kids
Your brain does a lot every day. Let's discover what fills your STACK, how to recognize when things feel like too much, and what helps you feel ready again.
SENSORY
COGNITIVE
EMOTIONAL
SOCIAL
PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
Where would you like to begin?
There isn't one right place to start. Pick what sounds most helpful today.
What is your STACK?
Imagine carrying a backpack all day. Each new thing you have to manage can add something to it.
Some things are fun. Some are challenging. Some are tiring, even when other people don't notice.
Your STACK is a way to think about all the different demands your brain and body are managing.
Everyone has a STACK, and it can be different from one day to the next.
Meet the six loads
Tap each one to learn more. You can have several kinds of load at the same time.
Sensory Load
What it means: Your brain notices sounds, lights, smells, textures, movement, and other sensory information.
Examples: A noisy lunchroom, scratchy clothes, bright lights, or too many people talking.
What might help: A quieter place, different clothing, a movement break, or reducing unnecessary sensory input.
Cognitive Load
What it means: Thinking, remembering, concentrating, making decisions, and figuring out what to do next.
Examples: Following several directions, finishing homework, or trying to remember everything you need.
What might help: One instruction at a time, a checklist, an example, or help getting started.
Emotional Load
What it means: Managing feelings such as worry, frustration, excitement, sadness, or disappointment.
Examples: Being nervous about a test, feeling left out, or worrying about making a mistake.
What might help: Being listened to, reassurance that feelings are allowed, support with a problem, or time to recover.
Social Load
What it means: Being around other people, communicating, understanding expectations, and handling friendships and groups.
Examples: Working in a group, joining a conversation, or managing a disagreement with a friend.
What might help: Time alone, clearer expectations, help understanding a situation, or practicing a social skill.
Physical Load
What it means: The demands happening in your body, including tiredness, hunger, discomfort, and physical activity.
Examples: Not sleeping well, being hungry, having a headache, or feeling tired after a busy day.
What might help: Food, water, rest, movement that feels comfortable, or telling an adult about pain or feeling unwell.
Environmental Load
What it means: Things about your surroundings, routines, and situations that make life easier or harder.
Examples: A rushed morning, an unexpected change, a busy room, or not knowing what happens next.
What might help: A schedule, an explanation, more time, choices, or making the space easier to use.
What's on my STACK today?
Think about how your day is going. Which kinds of load might be taking extra energy? Choose any that fit. You can also choose none.
Your check-in
Nothing selected yet. You can choose one or more kinds of load above.
This isn't a test or a score. It is just a way to notice what might be harder today.
Next question: What is one thing that might make your day a little easier?
What helps when your STACK feels full?
Everyone needs different kinds of support. These are ideas to explore with a parent, caregiver, or another trusted adult.
Ask for support
You might say, "Can you help me start?" or "I need you to show me what to do first."
Take time to recover
Rest, a break, food, movement, or time doing something comfortable may help when the day has been demanding.
Try again with a new plan
When you're ready, you and an adult can choose one manageable step. You don't have to figure everything out at once.
Keep exploring with MySTACK™
Continue with the MySTACK Kids Guide and Activity Book to explore your six loads, notice patterns, reflect on your experiences, and communicate what helps.
These materials are part of the larger HWWCD learning collection. The button below opens the Resource Library, where the materials can be located.
Open the Resource Library →