Strategies to consider include distraction, diversion, helping the person use calming strategies such as fiddle toys or listening to music, removing any potential triggers, and staying calm yourself.
While some people with autism merely yell or stamp, many really do become overwhelmed by their own emotions. 3 Bolting, hitting, self-abuse, crying, and screaming are all possibilities. These can be particularly frightening—and even dangerous—when the autistic individual is physically large.
Too much talking can draw out a severe autism meltdown, not stop it. Too much talking can be too much additional input and too many things to process. Other ways to calm a person in meltdown: give them time alone to let the meltdown run its course. Make sure you show them respect.
Angry behaviors typical of autism include: Having a meltdown with crying and shouting. Trying to escape the situation, which may potentially put the child in danger. Exhibit aggressive behaviors towards others such as biting, smashing, hitting, kicking, or scratching.
The Connection Between Anger & Autism In Children & Adults
Actions that are taken as tantrums or angry expressions could be them attempting to get others to understand them. Such incidents may also be linked to stress, worry, and anxiety. Autistic people have personalities that are sometimes described as addictive.
Autism Meltdown
Children may not “grow out of it.” Autism meltdowns, in particular, can be more emotional and last longer than usual. When a child with autism is overwhelmed, they know no other way to express it other than with a meltdown.It might involve screaming, crying, etc. or kicking, biting, hitting, etc.
Here's the reality: every child will throw a tantrum at some point, whether they have an autism diagnosis or not. But for children with autism, tantrums can be more frequent, distressing, and difficult to quell.
Ignoring is usually most effective for behaviors like whining, crying when nothing is physically wrong or hurting, and tantrums. These misbehaviors are often done for attention. If parents, friends, family, or other caregivers consistently ignore these behaviors, they will eventually stop.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the most well-known behavioral intervention.
In the general population, young children often become less aggressive as they get older and learn better ways to express themselves. But for some with autism, aggression persists through the teen years into adulthood.
A tantrum will usually stop when the child gets what s/he wants, changes his/her tactics, or when we respond differently to how we usually respond. A meltdown will usually continue even after s/he gets what s/he wants because, in many cases, the child does not even know what s/he wants.
You can help autistic children cooperate by setting limits, giving effective instructions and offering choices. Changing the environment might make it easier for autistic children to cooperate. Helping autistic children with social interaction and communications can encourage cooperation.
Keep your turns short at first, so your son needs to listen for only a short time before you praise or reward him. As he gets better at listening and waiting his turn, try gradually lengthening your answers (or those of another partner). We like combining this game with the talking stick or listen/talk signs.
In fact, physicians have found that when children don't receive physical contact, their physical growth and development can slow down. Soothe your child during a tantrum. Not only are hugs good for children's brain development and physical growth, but they also support emotional development.
Tantrums usually begin in children 12 to 18 months old. They get worse between age 2 to 3, then decrease until age 4. After age 4, they rarely occur.
Understand that tantrums are normal toddler behavior.
They generally begin to occur when children are between 12 and 15 months old, peak between 18 and 36 months, and continue until around age 4, according to the National Association of School Psychologists.