Calming Sensory Techniques for Autism Meltdowns

Meltdowns and Autism

Kids with autism commonly experience meltdowns, which are emotionally intense reactions to sensory overload or life changes. They can have meltdowns that look like:

• Crying
• Hitting
• Throwing or breaking objects
• Screaming
• Widthdrawal
• Eloping

Meltdowns vs. Tantrums

Tantrums and meltdowns are similar, yet different. Here’s how to recognize which one your child may be having.

• Tantrums
  • An attempt to express frustration or to achieve a goal (getting attention, access to an object, escape from a task)
  • Displayed through kicking, screaming, crying, stomping feet, etc.
  • Tantrum ends once the child gets what they want

• Meltdowns
  • Caused by processing too much information:
    • overstimulation of the five senses
    • changes in life
    • social challenges
  • Can last for a couple of minutes to several hours
  • Manifests in different forms

Anticipating a Meltdown

Recognize the early signs of a meltdown to prevent it from worsening. Your child may show these behaviors:

• Avoidance
• Stimming
• Pacing
• Fidgeting
• Frustration

Preventing a Meltdown

If your child is signaling a potential meltdown, you can prevent it early on by asking them questions about their needs, removing any potential triggers, and providing distractions like fidget toys or a fun activity.

Causes of Meltdowns

Sensory Overload

Anyone can experience sensory overload. However, it’s much more intense for those with autism.

• Sight: flashing lights, clutter, specific colors or patterns
• Smell: perfumes, cleaning products, specific scents
• Touch: itchy clothes, sticky hands, specific textures
• Taste: spicy, strong, or unfamiliar flavors, hot or cold foods
• Hearing: sirens, repetitive noises, people talking

Life Events

Life or routine changes can be uncomfortable for children with autism. This includes

• Family problems
• Relocation to another home or school
• Inconsistency or change in routine

Social Challenges

Communication difficulties make it a challenge for children with autism to express their needs or wants, which can make them frustrated and have a meltdown.

How to Handle Meltdowns

Managing a meltdown is no easy task. Taking necessary steps can help you navigate these distressing situations.

Stay Calm

While it’s easy to be overwhelmed by your child’s meltdown behaviors, staying calm will help you with better communication.

Prioritize Safety

Ensure you and your child’s safety through response blocking techniques and removing any objects that could cause potential harm. If necessary, remove yourself and the child to a safer space.

Show Understanding

Getting mad at a child during a meltdown only worsens the situation. Provide a supportive environment by validating your child’s feelings, offering them choices, and reassuring them.

Set Boundaries

Validating your child’s feelings doesn’t mean supporting negative behavior. Establish boundaries that encourage your child to cope with stress in healthy ways.

Create a Plan Ahead of Time

Create a behavior management plan that will help you prevent or de-escalate your child’s meltdown at any time, any place. Keep items on hand, such as water, snacks, sensory toys, noise-canceling headphones, or any object that calms your child best.

Sensory Meltdown Techniques

Every child has different triggers, needs, and preferences. Knowing these factors can help you determine which techniques to use to de-escalate a meltdown.

Fidget Toys

Fidget toys provide visual and tactile stimulation, helpful for keeping a child occupied and calm. Some examples include:

• Fidget spinners
• Push pop toys
• Toys with buttons

Water Sensory Techniques

Using water-based techniques can soothe your child during emotional meltdowns.

• Liquid timers
• A bin filled with water, cups, and toys that your child can play around with.
• Water sounds

Noise-cancelling headphones are ideal for children who are easily overwhelmed by noise. They help to block out these sounds and create a quieter environment.

Sensory Chewy Toys

Many children bite themselves, people, furniture, and other unsafe objects. Have them bite a sensory chewy toy instead.

PlayDough

Kneading, rolling, pulling, and stretching playdough can help your child safely and creatively release tension.

Squishy Toys

Squeezing and playing with squishy toys is another great way for your child to relieve any tension.

Other Calming Meltdown Strategies

Breathing Techniques

Mindful breathing techniques can help ground your child and improve their concentration.

Calm Down Corners

Turn an empty corner of your home into a peaceful space for your child by filling it with different items:

• Soft rugs
• Bean bags
• Sensory toys
• Soft lights
• Blankets
• Books
• Peaceful music

Coloring

Coloring allows children to express themselves creatively while releasing tension and anger.

Movement

Moving the body can help your child cope, whether it’s light stretches, jumping, or taking a walk.

Outside Environments

Going outside and getting some fresh air does wonders for relaxation and stress reduction.

Relaxing Sounds

There are various sounds to help your child de-stress during a meltdown, from classical music to nature sounds, or their favorite song.

Champion Autism With Us

Be Involved * Act Now * Champion Autism (Champion Autism) is a San Diego-based non-profit organization providing resources for children with ASD. We collaborate with individuals, businesses, and other non-profit organizations to provide families with access to helpful tools and resources for autism, regardless of financial status.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Getting sensory integration therapy can help your child fight sensory processing disorder. We can help you find a therapist who provides treatments best suited to your child’s needs.

Free Coaching on Autism Intervention

You don’t have to navigate your child’s meltdowns on your own. Champion Autism provides parents and guardians of children with autism with coaching on intervention techniques. Call us at (424) 262-2670 to learn more!