Effective Strategies for Calming Autistic Child Meltdowns

As a parent, it is upsetting, mentally taxing, and occasionally physically demanding. The majority of parents of autistic children take every precaution to keep their kids away from new or unexpected situations that could cause overload and result in a meltdown. If you recognize this, remember that you are not traveling alone. GodsOwnChild is here to support, understand, and provide solutions to help make our children's futures better and safer.

What is a meltdown? 

A meltdown is a severe reaction to extreme situations that results in a total loss of behavioral control. Due to their inability to verbalize their excessive anxiety or overwhelm, children with autism frequently resort to uncontrollable coping mechanisms.

As a parent of an autistic child, you are aware that these meltdowns might be brought on by routine changes, external stimuli, or a change in location.

These exceptional kids who experience sensory meltdowns typically shout or weep aloud, lash out in anger, smash things, or injure themselves.

As a parent, it is upsetting, mentally taxing, and occasionally physically demanding.

The majority of parents of autistic children take every precaution to keep their kids away from new or unexpected situations that could cause overload and result in a meltdown. Know that you are not alone if this sounds familiar. 

If parents have a clear understanding of what a meltdown is, it becomes easier to prevent them by learning the warning signals, figuring out their causes, and reducing their frequency.

Some common triggers for a meltdown 

• Certain senses might be under-sensitive or hypersensitive in children with autism, which can lead to sensory overload from excessive input, which can result in panic and a breakdown. 
• When too much complexity is presented at once, such as with several demands or directions, unclear language, or both, autistic children may feel confused.
• Some kids may experience worry, anxiety, and physical discomfort as a result of this.
• When a child has trouble expressing themselves, their understanding of their own feelings is typically too complex. When nervous, children with autism may find it challenging to ask for assistance; as a result, when they lack natural coping strategies, their feelings become overwhelming, and a meltdown results. 

Signs & symbols that your kid’s going to have a meltdown are:

• Creeching or making other noises
• Hiding or fleeing
• Extreme self-stimulation (fast, intense rocking, pacing, self-talk)
• Self-aggression
• Aggression against others
• Sensory avoidance (covering ears, covering eyes, retreating)
• Sensory-seeking behavior
• Refusal to interact
• Compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly touching the same objects in the same order are all examples of violence.

Although it can be difficult to anticipate your special child's meltdowns, doing so can be helpful.

The following advice can help parents of children with special needs manage and control their children's tantrums:

• Determine your child's sensory triggers and get rid of them. Because of his sensitivity, your child can find some sounds or smells upsetting. Therefore, be mindful of any sensory issues that can cause your special child to have a meltdown. Also, you should note the triggers that worsen meltdowns. These can involve obtrusive sounds or flashing lights. Even chatting with your child while they are having a meltdown could make things worse.
• It's important to recognize the telltale indications and behaviors of your child's meltdown so you can divert their attention with a favorite toy or treat. They might be drawn to this instead of the issue that irritates them.
• All parents want to protect their kids. The same is true for parents of autistic children, for whom care and safety are the primary concerns.
• For your child, you can create a calm, comfortable atmosphere where they can play uninhibited or without being distracted by their surroundings. While your child is having a meltdown, you might also hold him in your arms until he stops crying.
• When they are having a meltdown, your children may damage things and hurt themselves. Keep sharp or fragile objects that could be harmful out of your children's reach.
• Provide your child with sensory objects that can make them feel less anxious. Moreover, you can use weighted items like blankets and vests. While it is possible to purchase sensory toys, simple alternatives include soft squeeze balls, plasticized (soft clay), buzzers (which can be beneficial for some kids), and more. Think about investing in chewy pencils and pen caps. Being permitted to chew can have a significant impact on some kids.
• If your backyard has a lawn or garden, consider installing swings or trampolines so your kids can play and unwind.
• Share meditation and guided meditation practices with students. Although not all autistic children are able to use these tools, many benefit greatly from mindfulness and similar practices.
• You might work out every day with your children. Their physical health may improve as a result. Make certain that your child receives enough exercise. Children with autism frequently spend their after-school hours in therapy, whereas most average youngsters have plenty of time to run around and play (or take part in team sports). Like everyone else, they should start being active.
• Your child might not enjoy loud noises or music while traveling. Noise-canceling headphones are transportable.
• Although you could become irritated when your child is having a meltdown, it's best for parents to maintain their composure because making a mistake could make the issue worse.
• Take care of your child's diet by providing him with gluten-free options. Monitor your child's sugar intake because it will make them more anxious and cause a tantrum.
• If your youngster understands what might be the necessary actions to quiet his tantrum, controlling him will be simple. To ensure that your youngster cooperates, it is crucial to explain.
• Your child's pets can be the best therapists. Children with autism have been demonstrated to benefit from having pets; in fact, some autistic children have service or emotional support dogs, whose main function is to assist the youngster in managing his emotions.
• In some circumstances, you might need to let your child be by himself so that he can calm down, but in this situation, you must make sure your child is secure. 
• Provide a way out. If your child becomes frustrated or anxious easily, make sure both you and your child are aware of what to do. Can you leave the room? Can you watch a favorite movie in your bedroom by yourself? In some cases, knowing that there is an option might make all the difference.

Things you need to avoid during a meltdown:

• Avoid embarrassing your child, because doing so can make things worse. 
• Try to avoid getting into any sort of disagreement with your special someone because they might not respond to you and instead get agitated.
•  Even if you can't stop your child from crying out, don't scare him because he might not listen to you.
•  Never rely on someone else to watch your child if they can't handle a meltdown. Those who are close to an autistic person can manage the situation better.

Remember, you are not the one on this path, and whenever you need help you can seek it from GodsOwnChild. Importantly, no one can understand your children better than you, and they also need and hope for all your attention and love from you, so love them and be loved by them.