We have all been there as autism parents. There are moments when our kids start to meltdown in public and we question ourselves. People are staring and whispering. You are about to have a meltdown yourself. I always remind myself that I will never see these people again and that Logan is my priority. What do you do when an autistic meltdown is unavoidable in a public setting? How you handle it can either help your child or hurt your child.
Handling An Autistic Meltdown In Public
Ask Yourself “Is this expected behavior?”
There are times when you have to ask yourself if this is expected behavior from your child? Does your child typically react like this when these sensory conditions are present? Did you miss the signs that your child was having difficulty?
Think back to what happened prior to the meltdown. Those are important signs you need to learn to prevent this from happening again. Make it a priority to learn the signs and head off an autistic meltdown before it happens. No one wants to lose control especially in public.
Ignore it
Is it a stim? If so then your child is regulating themselves. Do nothing. We don’t punish stimming.
Remember that behavior is communication. If that’s not the way you want your child to communicate then teach them a better method. Of course, if they are going to hurt themselves, you need to step in.
When they communicate more effectively, pile the praise on so that they know that this behavior is what you to want to see from them. Over the top praise. If you don’t feel ridiculous, you’re doing it wrong. This is how you make the brain pay attention to make the synapses needed so they remember.
The whole point is to make sure your child has a way to communicate. Everyone needs to be able to communicate their wants and needs. Being non verbal is not the same as having nothing to say.
Redirection
When your autistic child is laser focused, it can be out of your control. Maybe they only want to talk about Pokemon or are upset that you didn’t make Pikachu pancakes.. Whatever the reason, sometimes redirection helps.
Pointing out the window at something can also help switch the focus in record time. It is probably wise not to hand them your phone because they may throw it. If this is the case, then try to redirect to something they like or want to do. A book, a toy, a video, whatever.
Naptime
How cranky do you feel when you are tired? I know I’m a grouchy mama bear when I need a nap. We all get snappy and testy with each other. From the time they were small, I’ve instituted rest time. Every day from 1-3 PM, everyone goes to their room. You don’t have to sleep but you have to stay in your room quietly.
Put yourself in your child’s shoes after a long day. If your child is tired so much that he can’t hold it together then nothing is worth staying out. Leave immediately. Seriously, calm them down enough to get to the car and leave. Later when they’re recovered, apologize for overlooking the signs.
It’s always better to head off a meltdown before it happens. Sometimes it can’t be helped. It’s always good to have a plan in place for what happens when they do. Your child’s safety is your number one priority.
