Children with autism are often overstimulated by things like touch, sound and light. They may also become overwhelmed and irritated by unexpected events such as a change in routine. Because children with autism often have trouble understanding or communicating what they're going through, they can experience a condition familiarly called meltdown. During this meltdown the child may scream, wag wild limbs, destroy things or even respond violently to others. Children with autism can often become restless so it is important for parents to know how to calm them down. Every child is different, so try several techniques to find the one that works best for your child.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preventing and Treating Meltdown
Step 1. Find out what triggered the meltdown
Finding the cause can help you keep your child away from whatever is upsetting them. This is important in efforts to calm autistic children. Supervise your child and try to find out the triggers for certain behaviors. If parents or guardians know about triggers for the child, they will be able to avoid them.
- Writing a notebook to record various triggers that are unfamiliar to the child will help you to prevent a meltdown from triggering. You may also consider using a smartphone app to log various meltdowns and their causes.
- Some of the common meltdown triggers in autistic children are changes or disruptions in their normal routine, over-stimulation, frustration and difficulty communicating.
- Meltdown is different from tantrums or tantrums. Tantrums are done intentionally as a power play and will stop once you give in. Meltdown occurs when autistic people feel hopeless and will not stop until the condition subsides on its own.
Step 2. Stick to a routine
When there is a routine to follow, the child can predict what will happen next. This helps keep the child calm.
- An illustrated schedule can help your child imagine a routine for the day or week.
- If you know that there will be a change in the routine for the day, make sure you take the time to prepare your child. Talk to him beforehand and communicate these changes clearly and patiently.
- When introducing your child to a new environment, you should do it when there is less stimulation. This means taking your child at times when there is less noise or fewer people.
Step 3. Communicate clearly with your child
Verbal communication is a source of frustration for many autistic children. Speak patiently, politely and pronounce clearly.
- Don't shout or use an aggressive tone as this can make the meltdown worse.
- If verbal communication is difficult for your child, try to communicate through pictures or other advanced forms of sound/audio (often called AAC or Advanced Audio Coding).
- Remember that communication is two-way. Always listen to your child and make it clear that you value and respect what he has to say. Ask him questions if you need an explanation to prevent a frustration-related meltdown.
Step 4. Distract the child if you suspect an emotional/psychological cause
When your child is upset, you can sometimes calm him down by distracting him. Try playing enthusiastically with your favorite toy, watching your favorite video, or listening to your favorite song. If possible, involve the child's special interests.
- Distractions won't always work. For example, asking about your autistic sister's stone collection might distract her from the fear of getting the flu shot, but it won't make things any better if the child's problem is seams or the seams of a dress being itchy on her skin.
- Once the child has calmed down, it's a good idea to talk to him about what made him angry or stimulated him. Ask what happened and work together to find ways to prevent it from happening again.
Step 5. Change the environment around the child
Your child may be upset that he or she is overly hypersensitive and has been over-stimulating. When this happens, simply taking the child to a new environment or changing the environment (eg turning off loud music) to reduce overstimulation is a good idea.
- For example, if your child encounters a neon light, it is better to take your child to a room with different lighting instead of forcing the child to endure it.
- If the child is in a location where the environment cannot be easily changed, take precautions. For example, you can put sunglasses on the child (to prevent hypersensitivity to light) or earplugs (to drown out noise) for use in public places. Think and look for various precautions with the child.
Step 6. Give your child some space
Sometimes, children just need time before they feel ready to rejoin. Try to let them sit for a few moments to cool off, usually sitting wherever there is little sensory stimulation.
Consider safety. Never leave small children alone unattended or lock them in a room. Make sure the kids are safe and can leave if they want
Step 7. After the meltdown, discuss it with your child
Take a solution-based approach: instead of blaming or punishing the child, talk about ways to prevent a meltdown and deal with stress better. Try to talk about:
- What the child thinks caused the meltdown (listen patiently).
- How a similar situation can be avoided next time.
- More effective strategies for dealing with meltdowns (resting, counting, deep breathing, excuses, etc.)
- Special maneuvers to stop subsequent meltdowns.
Method 2 of 3: Calming the Child Using Deep Pressure
Step 1. Apply deep pressure
Children with autism often experience sensory processing differences that can be stressful or even painful. Applying deep pressure causes the muscles to relax.
- Try to wrap your child in a blanket tightly or place several sheets of blankets over them. The weight of the blanket will provide soothing pressure, but be sure not to cover the child's face so as not to interfere with breathing.
- You can order or make tools specifically designed for deep pressure over the internet. Blankets, toys, vests, and lap pillows specially designed to be heavier are a variety of tools you can get your hands on.
Step 2. Give your child a deep pressure massage
Massage is a great way for you to interact with your child, while applying deep pressure that can strengthen the parent-child relationship. Position the child between your legs. Cup your hands on each side of the child's shoulders and apply pressure. Then, slowly move your hand to the child's arm and shoulder.
If you feel uncomfortable, consider asking a massage therapist for tips. Or, ask an acquaintance who is good at massage
Step 3. Try pillow pressure
Pillow pressure is done by positioning the child on a soft surface such as a pillow or sofa cushion. Let the child lie down or sit down, then use a second pillow to apply deep pressure to the torso, arms and legs in a slow, pulsating fashion.
Never cover the child's face to prevent accidental suffocation
Method 3 of 3: Calming Children Using Vestibular Stimulation Exercises
Step 1. Understand how vestibular stimulation exercises work
The vestibular system plays a role in balance and a sense of spatial orientation. Vestibular exercises help calm the child with rocking or rocking movements.
Repetitive movements will calm and refocus the child's attention on the physical sensations he is feeling
Step 2. Swing back and forth
Place the child on the swing and gently push them. Adjust the speed of the swing, slowing or accelerating until your child calms down. Stop if rocking the child seems to make things worse.
- Installing a swing indoors can be a good idea to make this technique the best it can be. Indoor swings are always accessible no matter the weather.
- Some children can swing themselves. In this case, gently advise him to climb the swing.
Step 3. Turn the child on the chair
Spinning is a stimulating vestibular exercise. This activity will likely stop the meltdown by distracting from the trigger and directing it to a physical sensation.
- Office chairs are usually best for this step because they are easy to rotate.
- Make sure the child is seated firmly and rotate the chair slowly to avoid injury.
- Some children will prefer to keep their eyes open, while others may prefer to keep their eyes closed.
Tips
- Speak in a calm and soothing tone.
- Acknowledge and deal with your own frustrations so you don't take them out on your child.
- Communicate regularly with other teachers and nurses to stay consistent.
Warning
- If you're worried that your child might hurt yourself or others, or if you're overwhelmed and don't know what to do, ask another nurse for help.
- Approach the child carefully if he is wagging limbs wildly or throwing things, or if he feels cornered. He can hurt you accidentally.
