How to Handle Autism Meltdowns During the Pandemic

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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of things have changed. Delayed school openings disrupted the routines of kids with Autism who couldn't go to school or attend therapy sessions. Thus, leaving responsibilities to the parents and caregivers at home to manage their everyday routine and deal with meltdowns.

What is an autism meltdown?

Meltdowns are how people with ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) react to sensory stimulus which can happen with or without anyone around.

What is the difference between meltdown and tantrums?

Both meltdowns and tantrums can show aggression during the process but for two different reasons. Understanding the difference between the two will help us identify the correct approach to calm the child down. Meltdowns are emotional outbursts of people with Autism as a reaction when overwhelmed with a particular sensory stimulus without any goal at the end. Whereas, tantrums are purpose-driven, trying to get the attention of an audience or a specific person to give them what they want. Tantrums are often younger children's manipulative ways to get what they want. Whereas, while meltdowns are outlets of sensory overwhelm regardless of age. It can happen not just in young kids but also teens and adults.

Autism Parenting during the pandemic

Parents of people with ASD are often like soldiers who have to be prepared at all times on the battlefield because they don't know when meltdowns will strike. They are armed with the right mindset and tools to ensure peace and safety for everyone. However, note that the target is not to take down the enemy but learn how to manage it effectively. Preparation is always essential. But at the end of the day, we wanted to teach independence rather than merely avoiding uncertainties. The truth is we live in uncertain times, such as the current pandemic happening all over the world.

One essential element in managing an autism meltdown is for parents to care for themselves first. In this time of uncertainty, adults have a lot of apprehensions from work to health and safety. Although they might not express it explicitly, our children with Autism are highly sensitive to our emotions. They can sense if we are anxious, or worse on the verge of breaking down. First and foremost, we have to care for ourselves to ensure we have a calm and positive disposition. For it is only then that we can assure our children that we can handle everything.

Tips on dealing with meltdowns

As the adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some of the preventive measures we can do:

1.   Know your children's whims and sensory sensitivities. Knowing this would make a considerable contribution to minimizing or even avoiding any meltdowns.

2.   Create a routine. In the absence of teachers and therapists during the pandemic, parents need to ensure that they stay on track with their daily schedules. You can ask your child for input to ensure they follow the routine. Include sensory activities that can teach them self-help skills to become independent. Remember to stick to it.

3.   Be familiar with their favorite place or things. As a diversion tactic, their toys or items can come in handy when all things fail.

4.   Advice children in advance of any changes to the routine. Children with Autism dislike being spontaneous. Thus, they should be informed ahead of time if there is any alteration to their schedule.

5.   Observe your children during meltdowns. Learning from experience is the best way to handle meltdowns from trying to pinpoint triggers and children's reactions. This could help you prepare in advance, avoiding anything or places that can overwhelm them and knowing when they start to "rumble" before the actual meltdown.

6.   Bring a meltdown kit. The kit would include anything that can distract them like their favorite toy, weighted blanket or vest, stuff toy, noise-canceling headset, etc.

During the meltdown:

7.   Stay calm. Children will sense if you are not at your best. Remain calm and positive.

8.   Change the environment. Bring them to a "safe" or quiet place where they can let their steam out without hurting themselves. A sensory room would be a great place to bring the child over to let loose until they calm down.

9.   Divert their attention. Use any of the items in the meltdown kit to distract and divert their attention.

In times of crisis, the family would be our first line of defense. And that is why autism parenting is no joke and something to be proud of. You're not just dealing with the unknown enemy outside but also handling crises of their own. Hang on tight, our dear parent, because your kids need you the most during this time.

Ava Wadaby is a contributing writer for Autism Parenting Magazine. She researches and writes about autism as she works to understand the challenges of her son who was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. She also regularly conducts activities with children in her neighborhood, focusing on their learning and development.