![]() Until you understand the need that’s fueling the behavior, you’ll have a hard time decreasing it.”īut what exactly do you do in the midst of the meltdown? How do you handle the frustration, stress, and fear that arise when your child loses control at a party?Ĭhild psychologist Lauren Elder, Autism Speaks assistant director for dissemination science, speaks to this question in Parents of Child with Autism Seeking Help Handling Public Meltdowns.Įlder suggests the following essential steps: 1. Your child may exhibit tantrum behavior seemingly without reason or strike out at others without apparent provocation …. “ABA teaches that all behavior is a form of communication …. It’s important to receive support and maintain a consistent behavioral management program too.Īs we shared in our blog post, 10 signs you need ABA therapy support: That said, if your child frequently melts down and hurts himself and others, don’t let that go unaddressed. As such, your priority is to keep yourself and your child as protected as possible until the meltdown ends. Since a child may engage in self-injurious behavior mid-meltdown, he or she might need your help to stay safe. ![]() (You can read this FirstPath Autism post for a more detailed description of the difference between tantrum and meltdown behavior.) Meltdowns are often triggered by an experience of high stress or sensory overload. Many tantrums simply involve a lot of noise and fuss, with little actual danger.īy contrast, a meltdown represents a loss of personal control without agenda. Of course, if safety is an issue, do what it takes to keep your child secure, without giving in to the demand. Don’t give into tantrums instead, remain calm and stand your metaphorical ground until they pass. To put it simply, a tantrum represents a demand, be it for attention, a reward, or a reprieve from a task. Next, make sure you understand the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, as they require different responses from you as a parent. Meltdowns do happen, and it’s important to know how to handle them effectively when the time comes. That said, sometimes the best-laid plans go awry.
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