Understanding and recognising an autistic meltdown in children is so important for parents, and educators to provide appropriate support. Autistic meltdowns, often confused from temper tantrums, are intense responses to overwhelming situations. Here are key signs and strategies for recognising these meltdowns.
1. **Signs of Overwhelm**
Children on the autism spectrum may struggle with sensory sensitivities, changes in routine, or social interactions. Recognising the signs of overwhelm can help identify when a meltdown is imminent:
- Increased Anxiety: Look for signs of distress like fidgeting, nail-biting, scratching or avoiding eye contact.
- Sensory Overload: Children may cover their ears, squint their eyes, or show discomfort in loud or crowded places.
- Communication Breakdown: They might become non-verbal or have a decreased ability to express themselves. They may start screaming or pointing because they can’t express themselves.
2. Behavioural Indicators
Unlike tantrums, autistic meltdowns are driven by an inability to cope rather than a desire to get something. Some behavioural indicators include:
- Physical Reactions: Self-stimulatory behaviours (better known as stimming) such as rocking, hand-flapping, or pacing back and forth.
- Emotional Outbursts: Crying, shouting, or screaming without a clear cause or solution.
- Withdrawal: Seeking isolation, hiding, or showing unwillingness to interact.
3. Duration and Intensity
Meltdowns can vary in length and intensity:
- Extended Duration: They often last longer than tantrums and may not resolve quickly even with attempts to soothe the child. Sometimes, we have had one last all day.
- Escalation: The meltdown can gradually build up or escalate quickly, making it crucial to address the early signs.
4. Common Triggers
Identifying common triggers can help prevent meltdowns and create a supportive environment:
- Sensory Triggers: Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures. We’ve tried our best to ensure we bring a hat and sunnies out on an extra sunny day, and use Flare Audio when we know we are going to loud places.
- Routine Changes: Unexpected changes in routine or environment can be highly distressing. We’ve implemented a visual calendar that is used every morning so that we know what our day will be like. Including possible changes will help make an unexpected change less distressing.
- Social Pressure: Overwhelming social situations or interactions. This happens a lot when there is at least two people around.
Strategies to Support Children
Here are some practical strategies that we’ve implemented to support children experiencing or approaching a meltdown:
1. Create a Safe Space: Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable place to retreat to when overwhelmed.
2. Use Calm Communication: Speak softly and avoid shouting. Sometimes, non-verbal communication can be more effective.
3. Establish Routines: Having a predictable routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. As mentioned above, we use a visual calendar.
4. Provide Sensory Tools: Items like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets can help manage sensory overload.
5. Teach Emotional Regulation: Over time, teaching children to recognise their own signs of distress and use calming techniques can be beneficial.
Recognising and responding to autistic meltdowns with understanding and patience is essential. By identifying the signs and triggers and implementing supportive strategies, parents can help their children navigate their experiences more comfortably, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.
This is not professional advice. This has been based on our experience.