Outsiders may mistake a child’s meltdown for a tantrum. However, the situation is often much more complicated than it appears. Anyone who has cared for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), knows that a meltdown must be handled differently, and by the personality of the child.
What is an Autism Meltdown?
A meltdown can be defined as a strong reaction to sensory overload. A child with autism can only express their overwhelming feelings by having a meltdown. It could be emotional verbal reactions such as screaming or crying or physical reactions such as kicking or biting.
Meltdown and Temper Tantrum
Meltdowns and tantrums are not the same thing, despite their similarity. A temper tantrum can be a child’s way of getting what they want. A meltdown is uncontrolled and has no purpose.
A temper tantrum occurs when:
- Not getting what they want frustrates them
- Can’t do what they want
- Communication problems
The following may help a child stop a tantrum:
- Comforting by a caregiver or parent
- Giving the person what they want (although this is not a good strategy)
- Ignoring and giving up on oneself
Children who have temper tantrums can control their behaviour and adjust their level of tantrums depending on how adults or parents respond to them. Here are some strategies for managing tantrums.
The causes of meltdowns are completely different. A child with autism who is having a sensory overload meltdown may have certain characteristics.
Autistic meltdown may include:
- Start by identifying “rumblings”, which are verbal or non-verbal behaviours that indicate an impending meltdown.
- Be preceded by stimming
- Overstimulation, or an unwanted sensory input
- Teenagers and adults can also be affected by this condition.
- It doesn’t matter if you have an audience or not
- Tantrums last longer
You can use the correct strategies for dealing with the situation once you know the difference between tantrums and meltdowns.
What is the difference between a tantrum, a meltdown, and an aggression?
In children with ASD, aggression is violent behaviour that includes kicking, hitting and throwing objects. It can also include biting, punching or grabbing. Aggressive behaviour can be directed towards others or at oneself. Aggression can be present in both a tantrum and a meltdown.
There are many reasons why children with autism use aggression. Some children are violent when their comfort object is taken from them or they’re forced to do something they don’t want to.
It is important to keep the child safe and that of others. You can use strategies such as removing the source of aggression, giving your child calming activities, or toys, and/or providing calming toys.
How to handle a temper tantrum
The way you handle a tantrum or a meltdown is very different. The reason children throw tantrums is because they want to get something. It does not mean that you have to give in every time a child throws a tantrum.
Stay calm
When your child throws a tantrum it is easy to become upset. However, you should first try to remain calm before dealing with your child’s behaviour.
Don’t give in
Give the child what they want. This is a good strategy for specific situations when you don’t have the time to deal with tantrums. However, this will not work in the long term. Your child will begin to believe that throwing a tantrum is the only way to get what they want.
Recognize your child’s feelings
You can validate feelings without giving in. You can validate emotions without giving in. You can say, “I understand that you are upset because you cannot have the toy you want, but we’re unable to buy it at this time.” You can tell your child, “Maybe next time.” That way you let him/her know you are sorry that they feel that way. But there’s nothing you can do for now.
How do you deal with a meltdown situation?
There is no single strategy that works for all kids with ASD. Some strategies may not work for all children on the spectrum. Some general techniques can be tailored to the personality and behaviour of your child.
Predicting and avoiding triggers is the best way to avoid your child having a meltdown. Avoiding crowds, planning, and establishing a routine are all ways to avoid meltdowns.
You can still try this approach if a meltdown has already occurred:
- You can help your child relax by leaving the room or place where they are.
- Use calming devices such as a fidgety toy, headphones that block out noise, or a weighing vest
- Teach breathing exercises, meditation and counting one to ten at a time when your child will be receptive.
- Be in a place of safety to prevent injuries for your child and others when they have a meltdown.
- Stay calm. Your child will feel your frustration, which can worsen the situation.
- Be at a safe distance and keep your voice and face neutral if the child reaches for you.
- You can’t reason with children who are having a meltdown, so don’t use logic.
How can you prevent meltdowns from occurring?
Parents can become exhausted by ASD meltdowns. It is better to prevent them than to try to deal with them.
You can sometimes use information about your child to help you avoid triggers.
- Be aware of the child’s sensitivities to loud noises, bright light, or strong odours.
- Knowing the daily routine, such as eating breakfast or reading a book before going to bed.
- Find out what the child likes, such as their favourite toy or a particular shop/store.
You can avoid meltdowns by identifying the triggers.
If your child is not fond of a certain sensory input, such as bright lights but you’re in a place with bright lights and your child is present, redirect them to another area.
If you cannot avoid a meltdown, it may be necessary to improvise. You can pack your child’s food if you have to leave for an early flight and you don’t want to eat breakfast.
It may not always be possible to avoid a meltdown, but there are some ways to try and prevent it.
- Prepare your child for any change in routine and inform them.
- Recognize your child’s feelings and be supportive
- Distract the child by using objects or toys that he/she enjoys (an autism melting down kit).
- Teach your child how to express their feelings when they are upset
- To make the child feel in control, offer alternatives to what isn’t possible.
- You should also check for any physical discomfort, such as hunger, sickness, or cold.
- You can prevent meltdowns by observing your child to see if they are having a “rumble”.
- You can learn from past mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly
Use an Autism Meltdown Kit
A calm-down or meltdown kit is an assortment of items (toys, calming devices or sensory items) designed to help prevent or reduce a child’s meltdown.
You need to ask yourself these questions before you can create your meltdown toolkit:
What type of toys/activities do my children like? Can this item stop or reduce a meltdown?
Is this the shape, texture or colour that my child prefers?
Depending on your answers, here are some things you can include in your child’s first aid kit:
- Fidget Toys
- Sensory objects: (kinetic sand; play putty; slime and stress balls)
- Sunglasses
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Favorite songs
- Bubbles
- Weighted vest
- Weighted stuff toys
- Favorite toys
- Puzzles
- Musical Instrument (whistle or harmonica)
This kit is perfect for preventing meltdowns. This kit might not work for a child who is already having a meltdown.
Meltdowns in school
Children on the autism spectrum who are in school may have meltdowns. Schools can trigger many emotions.
They may recover more quickly from a meltdown if they are with their parents or caregivers, but it may not be as easy when at school. When a meltdown occurs, your child’s teacher takes on the role of you.
Talk to the teacher about strategies you can use when your child melts down. Share as much information as possible so that the teacher can fully understand your child’s triggers, and how they respond to certain approaches.
There are a few additional strategies to help you deal with meltdowns in the classroom.
- Work with the school staff to develop a strategy for your child’s meltdowns.
- Put a meltdown pack in the schoolbag
- Ask your child’s teacher to designate a calm place for him or her to calm down.
- You can ask the teacher for this information.
Bedtime meltdowns
A child with autism may experience a meltdown just before the end of the day if they have been overstimulated throughout the day.
Some strategies for preventing meltdowns during bedtime include:
- Create a peaceful bedroom to promote sleep
- Avoid caffeine and sugar in the evening
- Create a routine for going to bed
- Tell your child that it is almost time to go to bed
- Sleep aids such as blankets, weighted toys or special LED lights
- Avoid activities your child is unable to stop doing (video games, TV).
These techniques might not work every time, but they can help your child have a peaceful and successful night.
Meltdown medication
Some cases of violent or aggressive meltdowns may require medication. When considering medication, consult your child’s physician.
Antipsychotics like Risperdal and Abilify can be effective in treating aggression in children with autism. These medications have been approved by the FDA. Risperdal is suitable for children aged five and above, while Abilify is recommended for those six and older. CBD oils for autism have been used by other parents with success.
Conclusion
A child with autism may experience tantrums, meltdowns and aggressive behaviour. These can be challenging to handle at times but the right strategies will help your child to better regulate their emotions. You know your child the best, so you should always look for safe and effective ways to calm your child down during a tantrum or meltdown.
