Keep a notebook to record the child’s common triggers will help you to prevent triggering meltdowns. You might also consider using a smartphone app to log meltdowns and their causes. Some common triggers for meltdowns in autistic children are changes or disruptions in their normal routine, overstimulation, frustration and communication difficulties. [2] X Research source Meltdowns are different from tantrums. Tantrums are thrown on purpose, as a power play, and will stop once you give in. Meltdowns occur when an autistic person becomes so stressed that they cannot control themselves, and they feel powerless and will not stop until it has run its course.
Illustrated schedules can help the child visually see the routine for the day or week. If you know that there will be changes to the routine on a given day, make sure you take the time to prepare your child. Talk to them beforehand and communicate these changes clearly and patiently. When introducing your child to a new environment, it best if you do it when there is less stimuli. This means bringing your child at a time when there is less noise or fewer people.
Avoid shouting or adopting an aggressive tone, as it may worsen the meltdown. If verbal communication is difficult for your child, try communicating through pictures or other forms of AAC. [3] X Research source Remember that communication goes both ways. Always listen to your child, and make it clear that you value and respect what they have to say. Ask them questions if you need clarification to prevent frustration-related meltdowns.
Distraction won’t always work. For example, questions about your sister’s rock collections might distract from her fears about getting a flu shot, but it won’t fix things if her problem is that her dress seam feels like fire ants on her skin. Once the child is calm again, it is a good idea to talk to them about what made them angry or stimulated them in the first place. Ask them what happened and work together to find ways to prevent it from reoccurring.
For example, if your child experiences fluorescent lights as a trigger, it is better to take your child to a room with alternative lighting, rather than forcing the child to put up with it. If the child is in a location where the environment cannot easily be changed, take precautions. For example, you could give your child sunglasses (to prevent hypersensitivity to light) or earplugs (to drown out noise) to wear in public places. Brainstorm precautions with your child.
Consider safety. Never leave a young child alone and unsupervised, or lock someone in a room. [7] X Research source Make sure the child is safe and able to leave if they want.
What the child believes caused the meltdown (Listen patiently). How similar situations can be avoided in the future. More effective coping strategies (taking a break, counting, using deep breaths, asking to leave, etc. ). An escape plan to end future meltdowns.
Try wrapping your child snugly in a blanket or lay several blankets across them. The weight of the blankets will create soothing pressure, but be sure not to cover their face to prevent interfering with breathing. You can order or create tools designed to provide deep pressure online. Weighted blankets, toys, vests, and lap pads are all possibilities.
If you do not feel comfortable, consider asking a massage therapist for tips. Or, ask someone you know who gives really good back rubs.
Never cover the child’s face to prevent accidental suffocation.
Repetitive motions sooth and refocus the child’s attention on their physical sensation.
It may be a good idea to install an indoor swing to best incorporate technique. This can be accessed no matter what the weather is. Some children can swing themselves. In this case, gently suggest they go to their swing.
Office chairs tend to work best because they swivel easily. Make sure the child is firmly seated and spin the chair slowly to avoid injury. Some children will prefer to leave their eyes open, while others may close them.
