All children will have tantrums at one point or another in their lives. Inevitably, some of these tantrums will occur in public. Children with autism can have tantrums at a much older age than those children who are typically-developing. Unfortunately, a public tantrum by an older child can draw much criticism from those in the area; this makes for a very uncomfortable situation on the part of the caregiver. Here are some ideas that may help calm the autistic child during one of these public meltdowns.
Remove the Child from the Situation
If you are able to pinpoint the cause of the meltdown and can remove the child from the situation, it is likely that this single act will quickly calm the child. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the cause of a tantrum; many times the trigger may be something in the child’s immediate environment. For example, sound sensitivity is common among children on the autism spectrum. If your child is sound sensitive, he may be hearing something that is causing him discomfort. If he is unable to control the source of the sound it may result in a meltdown, so removing him from the area eliminates the sound and allows him to return to a calm state.
Provide the Child with Deep Pressure
Many autistic children are soothed by deep pressure; providing the child with sensory input through deep pressure helps to calm him while allowing him the opportunity to self-regulate. This self-regulation will, in turn, help to end a tantrum. Deep pressure is something that can be done anywhere in the form of a tight squeeze or a bear hug.
Rock the Child
Noted author, Dr. Stanley Greenspan, recommends “rhythmic rocking and a calm, soothing voice” in his book Engaging Autism. In this approach you take the child in your arms and rock him back and forth, or side to side, as you would an infant. At the same time talk to your child in a calm voice, reassuring him that this will be over soon and everything will be okay. The combination of the two forms of sensory input can help bring an end to the tantrum.
These three ideas can help calm an autistic child who is in the middle of a public meltdown. It is important that you, the caregiver, remain calm and confident during the tantrum. Armed with this knowledge, facing the next public meltdown may be easier on all involved.
For more information on autism and parenting, read Autistic Parenting Books.
Source:
Greenspan, Stanley I. Engaging Autism: Helping Children Relate, Communicate, and Think with the DIR Floortime Approach. Da Capo Lifelong Books. 2006.
Melissa Hincha-Ownby - Melissa is a life-long writer. She started her freelance writing career in the 8th grade when the editor of her small town’s ...
