Child Mind Institute Provides Tips on How to De-Escalate an Autistic Meltdown
When a child throws a temper tantrum in a public place, caregivers may opt to let the tantrum run its course. But those with children who have autism might need to consider alternative methods.
In a new set of resources, The Child Mind Institute discusses how to de-escalate when children with autism are having a meltdown.
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Meltdowns, the institute writes, are similar to tantrums in that they share such traits as crying, screaming, door slamming, and harsh words. But they differ in that they are an intense involuntary response to outside stimuli, such as stress, powerful emotions, or sudden changes.
Meltdowns can go on for hours and have the potential to become dangerous to the child and others if not effectively defused.
Among the Child Mind Institute’s resources are an article that covers the different stages of an autistic meltdown as well as the dos and don’ts on how to de-escalate.
There is also an article on the sensory processing issues that can trigger extreme behavioral responses from children with autism or other developmental disorders. There are also some tips on how to help autistic children to build communication skills and manage responsibility.
Another resource discusses common causes of behavior problems in children - such as anxiety and ADHD - and how to help them regulate strong emotions or impulsive urges.
The Child Mind Institute’s resources include: