Temper tantrums in public

Temper tantrums in public

All parents have experienced the tempter tantrum
in the grocery store or the restaurant.

While children with autism may have tantrums
that seem larger than life at times, they are
still tantrums.

Prior to going on community outings, it is
important that your child is prepared for
what is going to take place.

You may want to have your child engage in some
physical activity and play, so that they are
calm for the outing.

You also want to establish what the expectations
are for their behavior during the outing.

You will need to keep in mind their age when giving
expectations.

Don't overload them with rules, but be consistent.

Monitor your child's behavior on the outing.

If you sense that they are becoming overwhelmed,
intervene at that point.

Tantrums are not only embarrassing for you, but
for your child as well.

They don't want to behave this way, so if you
can help them avoid it you should.

Be consistent!!

If you are going to be in the community for an
extended period of time, prepare for it.

Bring with you activities or things that your
child enjoys to keep them occupied.

If they don't function well in the community,
then start with brief periods of time.

Go on an outing for 5-10 minutes, and if all
goes well, reinforce that behavior.

Then gradually increase that time period.

However, if the outing is not for their
benefit, don't ask them to engage in an activity
for extended periods of time.

Don't expect them to sit quietly for hours while
you shop, it's unfair to any child.

When a tantrum occurs, leave.

Try not to create more tension by making a big
deal of it.

Just remove them from the area.

This may mean just leaving for a few minutes
until their behavior becomes calm.

If that is ineffective, then take them home.

Tell them what was inappropriate, and why you
are leaving.

Try not to continue the discussion about their
behavior once you are home.

It is over!


My Aspergers Child