The last thing you want is to be stuck in your car in that traffic jam - you want out! But you can’t go anywhere… the typical response at this point is agitation and frustration. 5 Calming Strategies for Autism Meltdowns by Kaylene Spread the word 769 shares (Inside: With these 5 calming strategies for autism meltdowns that actually work, you’ll be able to calm your child during their meltdown so much faster) Autism meltdowns are hands-down one of the most difficult parts of parenting an autistic child. The anxiety of the situation is compounded by the sensations you’re experiencing and, all of a sudden, the music in your own car is too much to bear (sensory overload). Now, instead of comfortably cruising (our expectation for the situation), you’re at a standstill surrounded by imposing big trucks, offensive exhaust fumes, blaring horns, and blazing hot sun peeking through your windows. The three major interventions that are usually most effective in preventing a meltdown from manifesting in children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) include (. We’ve all had the experience of happily driving to our destination, cruising down the highway singing along to our favorite song, when all of a sudden traffic comes to a dead stop.

It’s a physiological 'traffic jam' in your central nervous system and the sensory overstimulation is not unlike a maladaptive response to an actual traffic jam. When a person with autism experiences too much sensory stimulation, their central nervous system is overwhelmed and unable to process all of the input. Try Heavy Work: Heavy work puts stress on the body and provides sensory input, and it can be really calming for autistic children who are in meltdown mode.

Autism meltdown strategies