Meltdowns are a fact of life when you live with a child with Autism. Meltdowns can be violent, including biting, kicking and screaming. Meltdowns can be very emotional, including crying, extreme sadness and actually "melting" to the floor. There are some things a parent can do in the moment, after the meltdown and in the future to to try to avoid the same situations.
First, some things that cause meltdowns:
-
Being tired or hungry -
Changes in routine -
Feeling out of control -
Other people
In the moment a parent can learn a great deal if they pay attention to what causes the meltdown. This is a powerful tool. It can help in this meltdown and it can help in avoiding the situation in the future. In the moment, the parent can try to put the child back in control, this can sometimes lessen the intensity of the meltdown. A parent can learn what triggers their child's meltdowns and prepare their child when they have to be in that situation again.
Remember that a hideous disease has control of your child at that moment. The child certainly does not want to be in this situation. Try to remain calm and keep your child safe. Be ready to love them in any way they will allow after the meltdown is over.
Evaluating the meltdown can help the parent in the future. If your child has a meltdown over being tired or hungry, plan breaks and snacks during a long day. When you know the routine will be different, prepare your child by talking about the change in routine, use a dayplanner or pictures to explain in great detail how it will change and what is expected of the child. This is more difficult when routines change unexpectedly, things that will help will covered in a future article.
Other people many times cause meltdowns without meaning to. One memorable meltdown my son had was caused by a cashier at a bookstore. She asked if he wanted his book in a bag and he said no. She put it in the bag anyway and the meltdown began. He felt out of control, he got emotional and began a melt to floor type of meltdown. I explained that he could take the book out of the bag and give it back to her. It didn't completely stop the meltdown, but it did put him back in control.
Do your research, make a plan, help your child make it through this difficult part of having Autism. At some point you may be able to look back and chuckle a little at some of the situations you and your child were in. The only sure thing about a meltdown is that it will end at some point. Be ready to be what your child needs.
Comments
Great article! These tips are practical and effective from my own experience. Very helpful!
wow, thats really moving! i'm glad you tweeted it. :)
Very insightful and informative. Keep these types of articles coming please.
I can relate to this. I like the suggestions to help prevent the meltdown too. I would think this would help in other meltdowns even in non Autistic children too. Very well written! Thank you!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!