Meltdowns can take many forms. They may involve screaming, crying, covering ears, self-injurious behavior, or occasionally aggression.
Follow a routine to give your child a sense of stability. Creating a picture schedule can help them visualize the routine. [2] X Research source If changes have to occur, it is best to prepare your child for these changes by showing them the changes that are to be made through pictures or social stories. Explain why the change will occur. This will help your child understand what to expect and be calm when it happens. Allow your child to leave stressful situations as needed.
Come up with plans for specific stressors (loud noises, crowded rooms, etc. ). Teach self-calming techniques: deep breathing, counting, taking breaks, etc. Have a plan for how a child can tell you if something is bothering them.
“I see your face is all scrunched up. Is the loud thumping bothering you? I can ask your sisters to go play outside. " “You seem angry today. Would you like to tell me why you’re upset?”
Consider narrating your choices. “I’m feeling upset right now, so I’m going to take a quick break and take some deep breaths. Then I’ll be right back. " After you use a behavior several times, the child is likely to try it out for themselves.
Teach the child to signal that they need the room. They can point to the room, show a picture card representing the room, use sign language, type, or ask verbally. Read How to Make a Calming Down Corner for additional tips.
What made the child upset? (Consider that the child may have been holding back stress for hours. ) What signs of stress did the child exhibit? If you noticed any stress buildup, what did you do? Was it effective? How could you prevent a similar meltdown in the future?
“It was not okay for you to hit your brother. I understand that you were upset, but hitting hurts people, and it’s not okay to hurt people when you’re angry. If you’re mad, you can take some deep breaths, take a break, or tell me about the problem. "
Only call the police in extreme, physically harmful situations. Police may respond violently to your child, which could cause symptoms of PTSD and lead to worse meltdowns. [9] X Research source
For example, you can tell your child, “If you’d like me to help you, you can take a few deep breaths and tell me what’s wrong. I’m here for you if you need me. "
Antecedents: What were the factors leading up to the meltdown (time, date, place, and incident)? How did these factors influence the problem? Were you doing anything that was painful or upsetting to the child? Behaviors: What were the specific behaviors exhibited by the child? Consequences: What were the consequences of the child’s actions for the mentioned behaviors? What did you do as a result? What happened to the child?
“I’m hungry. " “I’m tired. " “I need a break, please. " “That hurts. "
Make it clear that if they communicate, you will listen to them. This eliminates the need for a tantrum.
Obviously, you cannot always honor a “no. " If you are not going to do what they want, tell them why: “It’s important that you sit in the car seat because it keeps you safe. If we get in an accident, the car seat will protect you. " If something bothers him, find out why, and try to fix the problem. “Is the car seat uncomfortable? Would it help if you sat on a little pillow?”
There is enough research data to show that a medication by name Risperidone is quite effective for the short-term treatment of aggressive and self-injurious behaviors in autistic children. Speak with a doctor or therapist about the pros and cons of this medication.
For example, if one of your dolls is angry, you can have that doll step off to the side to take deep breaths. The child will learn that this is what people do when they are angry.
For example, if one of your dolls is angry, you can have that doll step off to the side to take deep breaths. The child will learn that this is what people do when they are angry.
