The Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit will provide you with strategies and resources to address these behaviors and help support you during difficult situations.Many parents and caregivers faced with autistic meltdowns find it difficult to navigate through these stressful episodes and support their children on the spectrum. What are some things that have helped your child? Sometimes, people with autism display behaviors that are challenging to understand and address. Today, I don’t have any meltdowns but still deal with some sensory challenges when it comes to uncertainty (when someone touches me unexpectedly, planes flying over my apartment, etc.). I love my parents so much for all they’ve done for me. Giving me an understanding that meltdowns happen to a lot of people in our community made me feel less like an alien and more part of a community. This was probably the most important to me. I was obsessed with video games as a child so having a Gameboy and a mini TV available was helpful to ease my way out of a meltdown. While it usually won’t stop a meltdown it made me feel more relaxed when my favorite songs were in the background at a low volume. There’s always been something soothing about music for me. This sometimes meant just laying on the floor with me when I was going through the meltdown just so I knew that they were there for me. Meeting me where I was when I was having the meltdown.That’s why I advocate for people with autism to learn about their autism diagnosis at an early age so they can learn more about the strengths and challenges that may come with their own individual diagnosis. Discussing to me the differences between a tantrum and meltdown so I understood the difference.Once I started speaking my parents would ask what would help me while I’m actually having a meltdown. What they would realize though when I got older is to give me a few feet when a meltdown was occurring so I could stim and tire myself out. I would wander as a kid which made my parents always want to have me as close to them as possible. Personal space as long as I wasn’t involved in self injurious behaviors.My parents ignoring these stares as best they can made me feel loved. Especially in public I have seen a few parents try to discipline their child when rude stares would be sent their way. Not disciplining me for having a meltdown.My parents had a corner of my room that had a TV and some of my favorite toys so, if I had to deal with a meltdown, I would have things that felt comfortable to me. Creating a safety zone/quiet space at home.They’d also make sure sunglasses were nearby on these outings as well. When they knew I was going into a public place they knew to keep long clothing incase it became windy outside. Preparation is key for so many of our loved ones but also when it comes to meltdowns. With that I wanted to share 10 things that helped me during these meltdowns as an autistic child in the hopes it may help you with your child… I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. A big shout out has to go out to my parents though who helped me a great deal. It was a very long road with my Occupational Therapist to overcome obstacles when it came to that. The one area that was most challenging for my parents though were my meltdowns. The main challenges included loud noises, challenges with inclement weather, bright lights and not being able to be bathed until 18 months old due to the textural feeling of water on my skin. As a nonverbal child till I was 3 most people think my main obstacle was communication when it was really sensory integration dysfunction. After this question though the majority of the questions are about my previous meltdowns due to sensory-overload. One of the more common questions I get asked as a professional speaker & autism self-advocate is about my communication challenges. This guest post is by Kerry Magro, a professional speaker, best-selling author and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum.
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