Do you ever feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells? Whether your child is high-functioning or has a more severe diagnosis, being around him can be stressful. You have to make sure that every place you take him is safe and risk-free, because even the smallest triggers can send him into an autistic meltdown. At some point or another, just about every person living with autism experiences something called a “meltdown”. It’s when the pressure of everyday life becomes too much, and everything comes crashing down in one overwhelming moment. It’s not easy to put yourself in your child’s shoes, but imagine feeling like your mind is spinning out of control, unable to find peace anywhere or any time. That’s what it feels like to have an meltdown with autism.

Here are the 7 Calm Strategies for autism meltdowns.

Keeping an eye out for triggers is an important part of managing the meltdown process. There are certain activities or environments that can induce an overwhelming feeling. There are certain visual triggers that can cause a meltdown. For example, if your child is sensitive to certain colors or fluorescent lights, try to avoid them if possible.

If your child is sensitive to noise, try to minimize the amount of loud noises in his environment. There are certain sounds that are more likely to trigger a meltdown, like sirens, beeping noises, or crowds of people. Even smells can be a trigger, particularly strong scents like paint or markers. If something smells strongly to you, it may be even more noticeable to your child. If your child is sensitive to certain textures, try to avoid fabrics that are rough or irritating to the skin.

Activities for adults with autism

Even if your child is young, you can teach her some basic skills that can help her manage anxiety. Many children with autism benefit from visual-based therapies, in which they can engage in repetitive motions that soothe and calm them. By engaging in these activities, your child can release some of the tension and pressure that is building up, and give her body a chance to relax and rest. Some examples of visual-based therapies include: Focusing on a task can help your child focus on something other than the feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and frustration that often trigger a meltdown.

Strategies for kids with autism

Some children respond well to “scheduled” repetitive behaviors. For example, if your child finds himself stuck in a tense situation, he can remove himself from the situation for a few moments by engaging in a calming repetitive behavior, such as making a certain formation with his fingers. When the situation has calmed down and your child is feeling more comfortable, he can put his hands back into that formation, and the other people around him will know that he’s finished with the behavior.

sensory activities for autism

Some autistic behaviors are outdated, such as rocking or hand-flapping. However, some children might still use these behaviours and not know how to stop. While it might seem like a pointless habit, these types of behaviors can actually be helpful during a meltdown, because they can provide a sense of security and comfort. If your child still engages in outdated behaviours, try to re-focus them on something positive. For example, if your child is rocking back and forth, you could ask her to rock while watching her favourite movie.

Talk Through the Problem Together

Sometimes, your child may not have the words to express what’s building up inside him. Other times, he simply might have a hard time communicating his feelings. By helping your child communicate his feelings, you can help him find a solution for managing his anxiety. Some children benefit from using visual language. If that’s the case, try to draw pictures or create diagrams to explain what’s bothering them.

Find the Root Cause of the Meltdown

There’s no one cause or trigger for an autistic meltdown. It can be anything from sensory overload, to feeling insecure, to being overstimulated by too many lights or sounds. There are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of an autistic meltdown, including: – Your child’s health. If your child is sick or low on energy, he may be more likely to have a meltdown. – Certain environments. If your child is in an environment he’s not used to or that doesn’t feel safe, he may be more likely to have a meltdown. – Your child’s current emotions. If your child is feeling frustrated, scared, or anxious, he may be more likely to have a meltdown.

Conclusion

When a meltdown happens, it can be hard to know what to do. But these Calm strategies for autism meltdowns are great to keep in mind, you can better prepare yourself for when these moments occur. You can reduce the likelihood of a meltdown by keeping your child’s environment as calm as possible. And when a meltdown does happen, it’s important to know how to best help your child through it. That’s why it’s important to remember that not all meltdowns are the same. No two people are the same, and no two autistic people will experience meltdowns in the same way.