Dealing with Meltdowns

This week let's talk about how to deal with meltdowns.

A point to remember is that ALL children sometimes find it difficult to communicate what they want which can result in having a tantrum.  But for children with ASD or learning needs, communicating using words can be harder and so crying to get what they want is often the only way they know how to express themselves. 

A meltdown is often a reaction to an overwhelming experience and they are usually experienced by people with autism. It is important to note that meltdowns are not the only way that autistic people express overwhelm, some people with autism may withdraw altogether. Meltdowns are not age related and can happen at any age.

There are different strategies you can use to reduce tantrums but here are a few tips:



1. Safety first- 

It's a good idea, where ever possible, to clear the space of sharp, dangerous or heavy items that could hurt your child, or another person. It's best that these items are not in close proximity whilst a meltdown is happening.

2. Change in routine? Plan ahead!-

We all like predictable routines but for children with autism, a change in routine can lead to meltdowns. This is because they may not understand what is happening and find the experience of a new routine overwhelming. 

An example of this is, a child I worked with who only liked eating on his Thomas the Tank Engine bowl. Mum was keen for him to use other plates as he got older and when she tried new bowls or plates he got upset. A strategy that helped him was to eat from different Thomas the Tank Engine plates and bowls then gradually use different plates and bowls and positively reward his efforts for using new plates.

3. Dis-regulation-  

For some autistic children, tantrums happens due to an overstimulating environment. Ask yourself if it's possible to change the environment to calm the child down.

For example, you can make the room quieter by leaving the room with the child and find a more quiet place to be or you can give them a pair of noise cancelling earphones to wear.

If you feel you want to know more regarding dealing with autistic meltdowns please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing shanay.nj@headstartaba.org.

We would be happy to talk about which programmes may suit your child and if none of them do of our we may be able to point you in a more useful direction.



Thanks for reading!

The HeadStart Team