#meltdown support

[t0rt1-4ng3l]

went all today without a meltdown 🥳🥳

[t0rt1-4ng3l]

whats in my bag?!

i have lot of things in my bag, but they each serve is purpose.

i have lots of stim toys in my bag (this isn’t all the ones i have but they are my favorites i keep in my bag) and the ones i have are,möbius cube, liquid sensory bubble tube, little ouchies spiky roller, squishy, and a tangle fidget. stim toys help me regulate, deescalate, focus, and receive sensory input. i also have communication cards for if i forgot my phone and need to communicate something, scented chapsticks for smelling when it’s too smelly, my headphones (realistically aren’t usually in my bag they’re almost always on my head ), a pen to write with, hair ties to put my hair up when it’s touching my neck and bothering me, special trinkets and my soda tab collection becuase they make me brain feel happy and good, and lip gloss becuase it smells good and helps me not bite my lips for a little bit and also it makes me look pretty!

here is image description don’t know if did right or not am not very good at

[[start id:] cream and beige speckled carpet with items on top of it the items include a translucent magenta colored infinity cube a pink blue and indigo colored sensory bottle tube a pastel rainbow spikey roller pain stim toy a green glitter filled jelly bear squishy a green and blue metallic palm sized tangle a clear container inside a stack of small cards and the top one say my communication cards two jolly rancher chapsticks one flavored green apple and one flavored orange a tiny articulated panda fidget and next to it a small green articulated frog fidget a green crystal a black hair tie and a mini scrunchie with the colors brown black orange and pale pink a pink gisou lip gloss a hot pink pen with white polka dots on it a clear container with different colored soda tabs inside and a pair of folded pale purple with rose gold accent beats headphones [end id:]]

[t0rt1-4ng3l]

how to help someone who has meltdowns 

Speak Slowly & Calmly: Use simple, one-step directions.

Ask Yes/No Questions Only: "Do you want water?" "Do you want a hug?"

Offer Comfort Items

what not to do

Do NOT touch the person without asking first.

Do NOT raise your voice, act frustrated, or show anger.

Do NOT ask them to explain what's wrong in the moment.

Dont say things like:

"You're overreacting."

"Calm down."

"Just get over it."

"You're making a scene."

”your being dramatic”

”your so sensitive!”

“your acting like a child”

Instead, say things like:

"You're safe."

"It's okay, I'm not upset."

"You don't have to talk right now."

"I'll stay nearby, quietly."

"Would ______ help?"

What You have  to Understand

A meltdown isnt a tantrum or bad behavior. It's an involuntary neurological response to too much stress or sensory input.

they are not doing this to you. they can't just "get over it" or "calm down" on command. Your job is not to fix them, just help them feel safe.

things that might trigger a meltdown for an autistic person (keep in mind every autistic person is different and meltdown triggers can vary wildly between different people)

When there's too much sensory input

When plans change suddenly

When misunderstood or not listened to

unmet physical needs 

Intense emotions 

When there are too many people around

People being too close 

too much to do at once

When someone yells or uses a harsh tone

Misunderstanding social cues

social pressure

When they don't know what's happening next

When things feel out of there control

When in an unfamiliar environment

Textures they dont like

Being dirty

Trying to multitask

Switching tasks

Trying to or being asked to do a task with lots of steps

Warning Signs a Meltdown Might Be Coming

if they pacing or moving a lot —  if they start breathing faster or fidgeting a lot if they say things like "I can't" or "Stop"

if they are usually verbal and become very quiet or aren’t responding 

stimming more 

raising there voice or crying 

types of meltdowns autistic people can experience

Shutdowns

they go quiet and withdraw because everything feels too much. Examples: Staring at the floor, not speaking, hiding.

Hyperverbal Meltdowns

they start talking a lot, very fast, and can't stop. Examples: Talking in circles, yelling, repeating phrases.

Semiverbal Meltdowns

they can speak, but only in short words or sounds. Examples: Responding with "no," "stop," "leave."

Nonverbal Meltdowns

they can't use words at all when overwhelmed. Examples: Crying silently, covering ears, rocking.

Physical Meltdowns

thrashing or Flopping to the ground, kicking, hitting or throwing things, or self directed harmful stims. (hair pulling, head banging, hitting self)

never punish someone who’s having a meltdown!