Oh, I’m not feeling well

The Oh, I’m not feeling well wheel is a very simple tool that helps children and adults without language to share how they are feeling. It’s always a challenge when you can’t tell where it hurts or how bad it is. At the same time, not being able to ask for – and receive – help can significantly worsen quality of life. While it’s far from a complete solution to the problem, the Oh, I’m not feeling well wheel is a good first step towards improving the lives of autistic children and adults without language. It allows them to take control of the situation and speak up about what’s wrong – and what help they want.

Oh, I don’t feel good-the wheel covers the 8 most common injuries/sources of pain/discomfort:

• Main
• Ears
• Neck
• Stomach
• Arm
• Ben
• Poor
• I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know

Once you’ve identified the part of the body that hurts, you can turn the wheel around and continue to analyze the situation by getting further answers about the person’s condition from the following options:

• It hurts
• It hurts a lot
• It hurts a lot, a lot, a lot
• It hurts a little
• I’m fine, I’m fine
• Yes, we do
• No, we don’t
• Question mark

The simple and clear pictograms used on the wheel are suitable for both young children and adults with no language skills. The wheel works by turning the top ring until the opening shows the body part that hurts. Then you can turn the wheel and try to find the reaction that suits you best.