18 April 2017

Tantrums and Meltdowns

What works best with a child that has tantrums? 

I have witnessed these several times in my years of experience with autism. Meltdowns are common. I’ve seen a mild tantrum escalate into full-blown meltdowns. Truly frustrating, exhausting, and almost near surrender. If you are a parent of a child with autism, you know exactly what I mean.

Tantrums in children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) can be much more dramatic than those of typical children because they happen more often and are frequently accompanied by SIBs (self-injurious behaviours), such as head banging, chest hitting, excessive scratching to the point of bleeding.

Patience. Don’t panic. Don’t overreact. Ignore. Keep your cool.
Well, it’s easier said than done. But when you are caught in that situation, it’s easier to yell, just let out with your own outburst and walk out.

Raising your voice will only frighten your child and will escalate his tantrum. Try to remain calm and speak with a quiet and firm voice. Use a few words as possible: “No!” or “Stop!” If his tantrum continues and may hurt himself or others, remove him from the room or move furniture away.

After a tantrum has subsided, try to figure out what has caused it.  — Could be sensory issues from the environment, such as noisy crowded room, or over-stimulating lights or sounds. Try to avoid these situations for your child or at least prepare him ahead for the new setting.
If you know your child, you’ll see and be able to predict when a meltdown is coming and you could avoid it. His facial expressions, non-cooperation, strange noises and murmurs, fidgety movements, and intense stimming behaviors will tell you that a tantrum is about to happen.


But when it’s there and you are unprepared, here’s an effective trick: interrupt and redirect. Shift his focus away from the tantrum and focus on something else, like doing a puzzle, coloring, or lego-building. Make an effort to pretend that the tantrum is not happening, and talk to your child animatedly about other things. Difficult at first, yes. But in time you’ll both get the hang of it.