Even in the best classrooms and homes, kids get on each other’s nerves. Someone taps a pencil too loudly, talks too much during group work, or keeps moving in line—and before long, tension rises.
For many autistic learners, these moments can be especially overwhelming. Noise, repetition, or unexpected behavior from others may trigger irritation or sensory overload, leading to frustration or conflict.
That’s why we created the What to Do When Someone Is Annoying Me lesson inside Autism Learning Worlds—to help kids recognize what annoyance feels like and choose calm, respectful ways to respond.
Managing annoyance isn’t just about avoiding conflict—it’s about building self-regulation, communication, and empathy.
When kids learn to pause before reacting, they’re also learning how to:
- Recognize rising emotions
- Use coping strategies to calm their body
- Express feelings appropriately (“That’s bothering me”)
- Problem-solve instead of arguing
These are key life skills that help children succeed in group settings and build stronger relationships.
Start by naming the emotion: annoyed.
Explain that it’s okay to feel this way—everyone does sometimes. The goal is to choose what to do with the feeling.
Use visuals or modeling to show what “annoyed” looks like:
“When we’re annoyed, our shoulders might tense, our faces scrunch, or we want to yell. Instead, we can pause and pick a calm strategy.”
Inside the What to Do When Someone Is Annoying Me course, kids watch short, animated examples of real-world situations and practice choosing responses that help them calm down and move on.
You can teach a few simple strategies alongside the lesson:
- Take three deep breaths before reacting
- Move to a calm corner or use a fidget
- Tell the person, “That’s bothering me, can you stop?”
- Ask an adult for help if it keeps happening
Model these during calm times, not in the middle of conflict. Repetition builds readiness.
Learning what to do when someone is annoying helps kids handle everyday challenges with patience and confidence.
Through clear visuals, guided practice, and positive reinforcement, autistic students can learn to stay calm, use their words, and protect their peace—all valuable skills that last a lifetime.
