Every parent knows that meltdowns are part of a child’s development journey, but for parents of children with Autism, they can be more frequent, more intense, and uniquely challenging. These meltdowns, often misunderstood as mere temper tantrums, are a complex interplay of neurological factors, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation.
It’s vital to understand that Autism Meltdowns are not just behavioral issues. They are a manifestation of a deeper struggle within the autistic individual. The inability to communicate and regulate emotions adds layers of complexity to these moments, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
Parents grappling with Autism Meltdowns are often left with more questions than answers. In this article, we will delve into the intricate world of Autism Meltdowns, offering insights, strategies, and empathetic answers to parents’ most pressing questions
What is an Autism Meltdown?
A meltdown is when a child with autism gets extremely overwhelmed by their senses. They can’t find another way to express their feelings, so they might have a meltdown. This can involve actions such as screaming, crying, or behaviors like kicking, biting, or hitting.
What Happens During Meltdowns?
Meltdowns don’t look the same for every person with autism. They’re as unique as the individuals experiencing them. These episodes can take many forms: from withdrawal to zoning out to repetitive movements.
Some may cry uncontrollably while others might scream growl, or resort to biting and curling up.
Interestingly, many show signs of distress before the autism meltdown hits, a phase known as the “rumble state.” During this time, they might start pacing, ask repetitive questions, rock back and forth, or become exceptionally still.
Recognizing these early signs can be the window of opportunity to prevent a full-blown meltdown.
How Are Meltdowns and Tantrums Different?
It’s important to know the difference between a regular tantrum in a child and an autism meltdown. Even though they might look similar with yelling and acting out, the reasons and how much control the person has are not the same.
In a temper tantrum, often seen in young children, there’s a purpose—whether it’s seeking attention or asserting control. The child, even amid the chaos, retains some degree of self-control.
But when it comes to an autism meltdown, there isn’t a reason or a plan behind it. It’s like a storm of strong feelings that the person can’t control. When this happens, they don’t even realize they can’t control themselves. Importantly, a meltdown doesn’t have an easy off-switch; typically the meltdown situation will have to calm itself down.
What Happens During Tantrums?
When a child has autism, their tantrums can be different from others. Some might be really angry, while others get very frustrated.
During a tantrum, a child might cry, go stiff, scream, kick, toss things about, collapse, or dash away in disarray. Some may hold their breath, while others might even vomit. The aftermath can involve broken household items, and at times, it escalates to aggressive behavior.
For children with autism, tantrums often serve as their voice of frustration when facing the challenges that come their way. Simple triggers like thirst, hunger, or tiredness can swiftly lead to a tantrum. When they’re frustrated, they’re angry, and when anger strikes, tantrums can follow suit, creating a unique spectrum of expression.
Why Do Kids with Autism Have Meltdowns?
Autism meltdowns occur when the brain receives an overload of sensory information it can’t manage. Our senses involve hearing, touch, taste, sight, and smell. Normally, our brains can filter out minor details, but for individuals with autism, this is more challenging. Their brains don’t filter things out, so they have to process everything. This can become overwhelming.
Imagine a brain trying to process many things all at once without a way to organize them—it can be really overwhelming. For example, things such as loud noises, various textures you touch, bright lights you see, strong smells, or even tastes can act like triggers, causing this overwhelming sensation in the brain.
What to do during a temper tantrum?
Dealing with a temper tantrum can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to kids with autism. Unlike meltdowns, tantrums stem from a desire for something specific. However, this doesn’t mean you should yield to every demand behind the tantrum. Here are some tips to help you handle tantrums better:
- Hear Them:
When a child is in the midst of a tantrum, their emotions are running high. It’s crucial to provide them with a safe space to express themselves. Listen actively to what they’re saying or showing through their behavior. This means making eye contact, getting down to their eye level, and giving them your full attention. By doing this, you let them know that their feelings are important and valued.
- Ok the Feeling:
Emotions can be overwhelming, especially for children with autism. Instead of dismissing or trying to suppress their feelings, acknowledge and validate them. Let your child know that it’s perfectly okay to feel upset, frustrated, or angry. Use phrases like, “I can see you’re really mad right now, and that’s okay. It’s okay to feel this way.” Validating their emotions helps them feel understood and accepted.
- Set Boundaries:
While it’s essential to validate their feelings, it’s equally important to establish clear boundaries. Let your child know what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t. Boundaries provide structure and a sense of security. For example, you can say, “It’s okay to be upset, but it’s not okay to hit or throw things. We don’t hurt ourselves or others when we’re angry.”
- Shift to the Yes:
Rather than a simple “no,” aim to shift the focus to a positive outcome. This step involves finding alternative solutions or compromises. If the tantrum is triggered by not getting a desired toy, you can say, “We can’t get that toy today, but let’s explore other options you might like.” This redirection not only helps defuse the situation but also teaches problem-solving skills.
By following these steps, you create a supportive environment for your child to express their emotions, while also teaching them valuable coping strategies. Remember that consistency and patience are key when dealing with temper tantrums, especially in the context of autism.
What to do during a meltdown?
A meltdown happens when someone with autism feels overwhelmed. To help calm a child with autism, you first need to figure out what makes them feel this way.
Once you know what sets them off, you can try to stop meltdowns from happening again. Keeping a diary can help you see if meltdowns usually occur at specific times or in certain places.
But when a meltdown is already happening, there are some tricks you can try to make them feel better. Here are some ideas that might help:
- Stay Calm: Remaining composed is your anchor during a meltdown. Your emotional state can influence the individual’s response. If you stay calm, it sends a reassuring message that you’re there to help, not add to their distress.
- Assess Triggers: Meltdowns often have triggers, and identifying them is like unlocking a puzzle. These triggers can be sensory, such as loud noises, bright lights, or overwhelming textures. They can also be cognitive, like excessive information or sudden changes in routine. Understanding the trigger is the first step in addressing the issue.
- Create a Safe Environment: Safety is paramount. During a meltdown, individuals may not be aware of their surroundings, making them prone to accidents. Remove any potential hazards or objects that could cause harm.
- Offer Sensory Comfort: Many individuals with autism find comfort in sensory tools. Weighted blankets can provide a sense of security, while fidget toys or soothing music may help regulate their emotions. Experiment with these tools to see what works best.
- Give Space: While your presence is important, some individuals may prefer space during a meltdown. Respect their need for a personal room if they signal this preference.
How to prevent meltdowns from happening?
To prevent meltdowns in individuals with autism, it’s essential to be prepared and plan in advance. This involves identifying what triggers their distress and taking steps to improve the situation.
Maintaining a diary, similar to keeping a journal, can be incredibly helpful. It enables us to track when and where meltdowns frequently occur. Patterns may emerge, revealing specific times or locations where meltdowns tend to happen. This information provides valuable insights into potential changes we can make.
Moreover, we can support individuals with autism by exploring alternative communication methods. Some may find it challenging to express their emotions verbally. Therefore, employing visuals or gestures can assist them in conveying their feelings and needs effectively, ultimately reducing the likelihood of meltdowns.
Meltdowns and tantrums are like snowflakes, unique to each child, and what works for one may not suit another. The tips and strategies shared in this article might not be a perfect match for your child but can be a lifeline for someone else. Remember, you’re not on this journey alone; tantrums and meltdowns are universal experiences, whether your child has autism or not.
You’re not alone on this journey. At Nurture Pods, we’re here to support you. We understand the challenges and questions that come with autism. Reach out to us, and we’ll provide answers and guidance for your child’s growth and progress. Our mission is to assist families like yours in navigating the world of autism. You have a partner in us.
Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 6 November 2023
