Kari sent me a link to a Autism website. I was thrilled with what I found and think you will too. The article Managing Meltdowns is written for teachers in a classroom situation. Using some of their suggestions, I am going to put a personal spin on it to give you ideas to use at home.
1. Make expectations clear – All children must have clear boundaries and expectations. They need to know what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Once this is established, life is easier on everyone!
2. Meltdowns will happen – We call them “fits” in our home. Until the child learns an acceptable way to handle the sensory overload, meltdowns will occur. Instead of being frustrated each time, have a plan and put it into action.
3. Have a plan – What are you going to do when a meltdown occurs? What about when you are not at home?
4. Provide a quiet place for the child to gain control – We used a small closet for Bubs to sit that contained his favorite stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows. It was a safe place for him. You can also use a tent. Read more here.
5. Track the cause of the meltdown – Can you find a common threat to what triggers meltdowns? Read more here and view charts to use in tracking.
6. Be prepared – If you know that a change is coming, prepare your child. If the day is going to be a busy one with lots of chaos, allow your child sensory input through brushing/joint compressions, trampoline time, or Memory Obstacle Course.
7. Don’t set your child up for failure – Don’t put your child in a situation that you know he or she can not handle. Sometimes, we as parents have to deny-self and think about what is best for our child at that exact moment instead of what we want to do.
8. Be consistent…with Grace – I can not stress this enough. You must be consistent as you train your child – whether one with a disability or not. Lack of consistency translates to confusion in your child’s brain. They truly don’t know what you expect of them. But…there is a time for Grace. There are time when Bubs needs me to hold him and love on him. Praise God that we have the Holy Spirit to guide us.
