My ASD Child

 "What are some ideas that teachers can use to help an autistic child with meltdowns?!" Meltdowns can be difficult and frightening to children with Asperger’s (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA), as well as to their parents and siblings. However, the good news is that with just a few critical changes, the household can move past such episodes fairly easily. The affected child will feel more in control of his or her feelings/reactions and will, hopefully, come to trust that help will always be there. Here are a few simple strategies that parents and teachers can use to lessen the intensity and frequency of autism-related meltdowns: 1. Initiate some dietary changes: There is no specific diet for AS or HFA children, but removing certain proteins may relieve symptoms. The gluten-free, casein-free diet has the most research and is one of the most common dietary interventions. About 25% of young people on the autism spectrum find relief and improvement with this diet.

Tantrums, rage, and meltdowns (terms that are used interchangeably) typically occur in three stages that can be of variable length. These stages and associated interventions are described below. The best intervention for these behavioral outbursts is to prevent them through the use of appropriate academic, environmental, social, and sensory supports and modification to environment and expectations. The Cycle of Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns and Related Interventions  Initial stage During the initial stage, children with Aspergers (high functioning autism) exhibit specific behavioral changes that may appear to be minor (e.g., nail biting, tensing muscles, indicating discomfort). During this stage, it is imperative that an adult intervene without becoming part of a struggle. Intervention Effective interventions during this stage include: antiseptic bouncing, proximity control, support from routine and home base. All of these strategies can be effective in stopping th

What are meltdowns?   They are overwhelming emotions  that are quite common in children with  High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.   What causes them?   It can be anything from a very minor incident to something more traumatic.   How long do they last?   It’s anyone’s guess. They last until the child is either completely exhausted, or he gains control of his emotions -- which is not easy for him to do. From the Office of Mark Hutten, M.A. Online Parent Support, LLC Meltdowns are not a pretty sight. They are somewhat like overblown temper tantrums, but unlike tantrums, meltdowns can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour. When it starts, the child is totally out-of-control. When it ends, both you and your child are totally exhausted. But... Don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet. At the least provocation, for the remainder of that day - and sometimes into the next - the meltdown can return in full force. If your child suffers from High-Func