How to calm kids With Autism
Autistic children react to physical or emotional stress without any particular agenda; they are simply expressing feelings of excitement, frustration, or anxiety or responding to "sensory assaults."1Children with autism can have a tough time managing their behavior. Children with more severe symptoms can get very upset on a daily basis. Meltdowns and anxiety can make it very hard to participate in daily activities or, in some extreme cases, to even leave the home
The reality is that children with autism, in general, have less control over their emotions than their typical peers; as a result, emotional explosions are common.
It’s not easy to calm a child with autism, but there are techniques that can often be successful. Some require a bit of more patience, efforts and extra equipment that offers sensory comfort. If they work well, they’re worth their wait.
But what causes meltdown and stress in them?
Unlike other kids, autistic children "throw fits" in order to garner more attention or to get a desired outcome (a new toy, a favorite food, etc.). In most cases, it’s not always easy for a parent to predict or even recognize situations that could likely upset a child with autism. Ordinary changes in a daily routine such as a taking another way to school can be terribly upsetting to some autistic children. Odors such as the smell of fresh paint can be a sensory distress. Even the fluorescent lights at the grocery store can be overwhelming to certain individuals.
It is a challenge to figure out what is causing the meltdown or what will cause the meltdown. This is challenge not only for the parent but also for the autistic child. In some situations the meltdown looks like a temper tantrum but in some cases it may look like something else.
- Screeching or screaming very loudly
- Head slapping or slapping on leg (self-aggression)
- Running away
- Talking to self, walking rapidly, intense rocking (intensive self-stimulation)
- Covering ears or eyes (sensory avoidance)
- Squeezing inside a small space, hiding under the bed or closet (Sensory seeking behavior)
- In rear case they show aggression towards others
In most cases these are the ways kids try to calm them selves and in some cases these are simply the signs that shows they are upset.
To calm them can be a challenge, but kids go through a meltdown because they cannot control their emotions. So, the best way is to teach them how to control emotions. That means to teach children how to manage their own emotions.
Escape Space
Be sure that your child knows what to do when approaching a meltdown. Can your kid go to a garden? Watch a favorite video or retreat to the bedroom.
Toys for coping up
Many toys are available in the market to help cope with a meltdown. These kindsof toys are known sensory toys. The best option is a squeezy ball.
Blanket
For most kids, blanket works like magic. Heavy yet comfortable object can give them a sense of security and becomes easy to manage any emotional distress.
Don’t reason it out
When you sense your child is nearing the meltdown, don’t try to argue. It will only increase the distress.
Take charge
Don’t assume someone else will handle the situation. If your child becomes upset at a coaching centre, volunteer, grandparent’s house do not assume that a person will handle the problem. The vast majority of adults have no clue how to manage a child with autism.
Don’t shame your child
Don’t attempt to shame or embarrass the child. Not only is this a poor approach to discipline in general, but it will also have no impact on a child who doesn’t connect with the idea of age-appropriate behavior or interests.
It is not easy to take care of a child with autism. But these are certain steps you can take to ease up the path for you and your child. As your kid learns to calm oneself, it will easier to engage in daily activities.
