Crisis Intervention Tips for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
"I know they talk about how 'prevention' is key when trying to deal with meltdowns in children with autism (high functioning), but what about when the child is already full-swing into a meltdown? Is it just too late at that point to make any difference?" It's never too late to intervene, but the task of actually putting the brakes on a meltdown will be much more difficult once it is underway. Having said that, here are some suggestions... Crisis Intervention Tips for Parents of Children with ASD level 1 or High-Functioning Autism : 1. A step isn't completed until the child has given you his verbal consent to the conditions of the step. For example, [parent gently restraining the child] "I will let you go when you stop slamming your bedroom door. O.K.?" Be prepared to repeat steps if additional meltdowns occur before moving on to the next step. 2. Allow the child, whenever possible, to make choices as you move through the crisis interv