Most doctors indicate that Autism meltdowns can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and by the end of it both the child and parent (or caregiver) are exhausted. But how can you tell if your child is just having a quick tantrum or an actual meltdown? And how do you prevent full blown meltdowns from occuring? Autism/Aspergs Meltdowns are more seen in boys rather than girls but can occur from both genders. Studies have found that girls with these disorders tend to hold in their feelings and cry rather than converting to anger.
Please note before I begin, that you should know, even a child with ASD & Aspergers can experience normal, everyday tantrums. I have seen this first hand with my daughter, Michelle. She is 31 months old and when her sister's home it feels like all I here is grunts, screams, and crying from her because her personal space & toys are being invaded.
These "mini-meltdowns," as I call them, can last from 10 seconds to 5 minutes or longer. Michelle does not verbally communicate so these mini-meltdowns are her way of say "Hey, you are in my space," or "That's my favourite toy, don't touch!"
Be cautious though because these mini-meltdowns are acting as words for the child and can quickly escalate into a full blown meltdown if the situation isn't taken care of right away!
The Basic Temper Tantrum:
A basic temper tantrum is very straightforward. A child does not get his or her own way and, as grandma would say, "pitches a fit." This is not to discount the temper tantrum. They are not fun for anyone.
Tantrums have several qualities that distinguish them from meltdowns.
* A child having a tantrum will look occasionally to see if his or her behavior is getting a reaction.
* A child in the middle of a tantrum will take precautions to be sure they won't get hurt.
* A child who throws a tantrum will attempt to use the social situation to his or her benefit.
* When the situation is resolved, the tantrum will end as suddenly as it began.
* A tantrum will give you the feeling that the child is in control, although he would like you to think he is not.
* A tantrum is thrown to achieve a specific goal and once the goal is met, things return to normal.
Autism/Aspergers Meltdowns:
If the tantrum is straightforward, the meltdown is every known form of manipulation, anger, and loss of control that the child can muster up to demonstrate. The problem is that the loss of control soon overtakes the child. He needs you to recognize this behavior and rein him back in, as he is unable to do so. A child with autism in the middle of a meltdown desperately needs help to gain control.
* During a meltdown, a child with autism does not look, nor care, if those around him are reacting to his behavior.
* A child in the middle of a meltdown does not consider her own safety.
* A child in a meltdown has no interest or involvement in the social situation.
* Meltdowns will usually continue as though they are moving under their own power and wind down slowly.
* A meltdown conveys the feeling that no one is in control.
* A meltdown usually occurs because a specific want has not been permitted and after that point has been reached, nothing can satisfy the child until the situation is over (even giving in to their want).
* During a meltdown the child will roll, scream, cry, kick, and even injure others or theirselves unknowingly.
Unlike tantrums, meltdowns can leave even experienced parents at their wit's end, unsure of what to do. When you think of a tantrum, the classic image of a child lying on the floor with kicking feet, swinging arms, and a lot of screaming is probably what comes to mind. This is not even close to a meltdown. A meltdown is best defined by saying it is a total loss of behavioral control. It is loud, risky at times, frustrating, and exhausting. Although not all children will injure themselves or others
Meltdowns may be preceded by "silent seizures." This is not always the case, so don't panic, but observe your child after she begins experiencing meltdowns. Does the meltdown have a brief period before onset where your child "spaces out"? Does she seem like she had a few minutes of time when she was totally uninvolved with her environment? If you notice this trend, speak to your physician. This may be the only manifestation of a seizure that you will be aware of.
Here are 10 steps to assist in tantrums & meltdowns.
1. Remain calm. Control your anger.
2. Never give in. If you said no, stick to this answer, no matter what.
3. Be sure to go out with your child only when he has eaten and rested. A need that isn’t met is often the cause of a tantrum or meltdown.
4. Say to your child that you understand his frustration or anger. Be compassionate and give an alternative option. If you child doesn’t want it, fair enough, he’ll have nothing at all. Dealing with tantrums takes firmness and understanding.
5. When the meltdown starts, remove all unsafe objects from the area. Help him focus on something else than what bothers him at the moment. React fast before your child becomes out-of-control.
6. Consider a reassuring cuddle. Although this doesn't work with all Autistic children. My I hold my daughter tight in a hugging position and make "Shhhh" sounds in here ear. This seems to help ease the length of her meltdowns (and also ensures she is not hurting herself).
7. After the tantrum, at the end of the day, when your child is quietly playing or before kissing him goodnight, discuss his tantrum with him/her. Speak softly and explain that you can’t accept his behaviour but that you love him anyways.
8. Avoid his/her "trigger moments". In the long run, meltdowns will occur regardless of praise and efforts so the main piece of advice is to avoid any situation where your child will feel uncomfortable, overwhelmed or where the routine will be affected. Go grocery shopping when the child is at school, in bed, or begin a new "10am grocery store visit" in his/her routine.
9. When a tantrum occurs in a public place, safely remove the child from any area of harm, and away from the "trigger point."
10. Legitimize his feelings of frustration and anger and tell him you feel the same sometimes but you always choose to express them with words and that he can make that same choice. If your child is non-verbal I suggest a "stress ball" or picture book so your child can show you his/her feels before a tantrum occurs.
No comments:
Post a Comment