Stop Autistic Meltdowns
Before They Start, Part 2

Preventing Meltdowns

The most important way to help autistic individuals manage meltdowns is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Meltdowns always have a cause, so if an autistic child is experiencing frequent meltdowns or if their meltdowns have increased, it’s important to identify the underlying reason. It might be due to a packed schedule, bullying, or inadequate accommodations to cope with sensory overload.

To prevent meltdowns:

Identify the Cause: Pay attention to what might be triggering the meltdowns. It could be something simple, like an overwhelming schedule or an environment that’s too stimulating. Once you identify the cause, make the necessary adjustments to their life or schedule.
Accommodate Sensory Needs: Sensory needs can be unique and specific. Simple changes, like cutting labels off clothes, allowing the use of noise-cancelling headphones, or avoiding places with high sensory stimulation, can make a significant difference. Also, let them stim—it’s a way for them to self-regulate and feel more comfortable.
Teach Coping Skills: Help autistic children and teenagers develop the skills they need to manage challenging situations:

- Lunchtime clubs
- Library time
- Permission to use the computer lab
- Structured playground activities that help your child socialise

Recognise Early Warning Signs

Autistic children often have trouble recognising emotions and internal cues. Help your child recognise early signs of discomfort or an impending meltdown. Practise identifying emotions like anxiety and physical sensations such as a racing heartbeat, churning stomach, or difficulty breathing.

Find out more strategies to help your autistic child recognise their feelings at:

Understanding Interoception: Helping Autistic Individuals Sense Internal Body Feelings
Anxiety in Autistic Children and Teenagers

Develop and Practise Coping Strategies

Teach your child what helps them feel calm in difficult situations. Coping options might include:

To calm themselves, an autistic person may:

Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises or muscle relaxation.
Practical Actions: Leaving class a few minutes early to avoid noisy corridors.
Sensory Aids: Using headphones for noise or favourite fragrances for smells.
Enjoyable Activities: Listening to a favourite podcast or playing with a pet.
Physical Activities: Kicking a football or jumping on a trampoline.

Encourage your child to practise these strategies when they are calm. This will help them use the strategies when stressed.

For example, make daily breathing exercises part of their routine, practise using headphones at home when it gets noisy, or discuss with teachers the possibility of your child leaving class 5 minutes early.

Find out more strategies to help your autistic child develop calming strategies at:

Managing Anxiety in Autistic Children and Teenagers
Finding Emotional Balance for Autistic Children

Creating a Meltdown Kit

A meltdown kit, or calm down kit, is a customised set of objects that help prevent or reduce a child’s meltdown. Help your child create their own meltdown kit by going through these questions with them: