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CALMING AN AUTISTIC MELTDOWN HOW TO

When a meltdown happens, try your best to stay calm and keep you and your child safe.Autistic people can become overwhelmed by sensory input or strong emotions, but you can help calm them down with a few simple techniques. What exacerbated the meltdown, and what made it better?

Note any triggers you noticed leading up to the meltdown.

What happened right before, how long did the meltdown last, and how did it end?.

It also may help when you speak with your child’s doctor.

CALMING AN AUTISTIC MELTDOWN HOW TO

This will help you with predicting meltdowns and how to best diffuse. When the meltdown ends, try to keep a journal (can be in your phone) of when, where, and what time the meltdown occurred. Avoid making threats like, “if you don’t stop, there will be no more iPad!”, as this typically escalates the situation.Instead provide reassurance that you love them and validate their feelings. Don’t punish or shame your child for what is happening. We are OK.” to easily let others know what is happening.Īvoid power struggles. It might be helpful to have a prepared script in your head like “my child is autistic and needs some time to calm down.You are taking care of your child and that’s most important. Dealing with a meltdown in public can feel uncomfortable and embarrassing but you have nothing to be ashamed of.If your child is on the floor, sit on the floor near them. And, get down on their level – literally. Make sure they’re in a safe area and they don't have access to items they can use to hurt themselves or others. If your attempts to de-escalate have not been successful, you may need to wait and give your child space. “Thank you for making your voice sound like mine”.

“Thank you so much for telling me you need a break.”.

Use specific verbal praise rather than “good job.” Specific verbal praise tells your child exactly what they are doing correctly Talking can sometimes increase escalation.Ĭatch the good moments.

If the child does not use spoken communication, you should have their visuals or communication device available so they can tell you what they need.

“do you want some water or do you want to take a walk?”

You can offer 2-3 choices to the person e.g.

You may have to use visuals or program your child's augmentative communication device to ensure they can make these communication requests. This will look different depending on the child and their communication skills. Take some deep breaths, use a low voice volume, and talk slowly to model for your child what “calm” looks like. This can be very difficult but try to stay calm and keep a neutral face. What if I can’t prevent them? How do I manage meltdowns?

Empty store aisles can offer quick reprieve from overwhelming situations.

Have a sense of any safe, quiet, and secluded areas you can take your child to in the event of a meltdown.

For example, “If Sing 2 is sold out, we'll see Luca instead”.

Share the back up plan with your child or have your child help create a plan B.

Have a Plan B and possibly Plan C when going out to places in the community.

Try using social stories to help your child know what to expect during their day and what to do if they start to feel overwhelmed or upset.

Using timers and visual schedules can help with getting out of the house on time and minimize frustrations.

Before leaving the house, be sure your child is well-rested, well fed, and has used the bathroom.

Before venturing out, make sure your child’s essential needs are met, they know what to expect, and don’t forget to bring their favorite toy or sensory item with you!

Practice these when your child is happy and calm so that later, when they’re highly stressed, they can access these skills.Build "relaxation time" into their normal routines and schedules.Deep breathing, counting to 10, using sensory toys (like squishy balls or putty), going for a walk, listening to music.Teach your child different ways they can calm down and relax, such as: Helping your child learn how to manage their emotions and reactions is very important. Teach and practice calming strategies with your child. There are strategies you can use to help avoid meltdowns, but it’s important to remember, it’s not always possible to prevent them from happening. Meltdowns can last for a few minutes to a few hours.

They can cry uncontrollably, scream, hurt themselves, or zone out. An autistic child can experience an intense explosion of emotions if triggered by change or unexpected situations. Meltdowns can be a scary and exhausting experience for parents and children.