Tantrums among autistic individuals can be challenging to navigate, but with the right strategies, parents and caregivers can provide their children with the necessary assistance.
Temper tantrums can have different triggers, and the rate at which a child is developing can affect how quickly they learn skills like impulse control and communication. Understanding the motivation behind the tantrum is crucial to responding appropriately and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Behavioral Strategies for Tantrums
Managing tantrums requires the use of various behavioral strategies in order to make a significant difference. These strategies aim to address the underlying causes of tantrums and promote positive behavior.
There are two key strategies for managing tantrums which are as follows:
Communication and Emotion Expression
Many tantrums occur because individuals with autism struggle to express their strong emotions through words. By helping them develop alternative means of communication and emotion expression, the risk of tantrums can be minimized.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Visual supports – Visual aids such as picture cards, visual schedules, and social stories can help individuals with autism communicate their needs, express their emotions, and understand expectations.
- Sign language – Teaching basic sign language can provide individuals with an additional way to express their needs and feelings, reducing frustration and the likelihood of tantrums.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) – AAC systems, including communication devices and apps, can support individuals who have limited verbal communication skills and help them express their thoughts and emotions effectively.
By equipping individuals with autism with these tools and strategies, they can better communicate their feelings and needs, enabling steps to be taken to prevent tantrums before they escalate.
Positive Behavior Reinforcement
Reinforcing positive behavior is a fundamental aspect of managing a crying child before it evolves into a tantrum. Recognizing and praising individuals with autism for responding positively to frustrating situations can help them understand and desire to respond positively in the future.
Here are some strategies for positive behavior reinforcement:
- Reward systems – Implement a reward system that offers incentives for desired behavior. This can involve earning points or tokens that can be exchanged for preferred activities, items, or privileges.
- Praise and encouragement – Provide verbal praise and encouragement when individuals with autism exhibit positive behavior, such as using appropriate communication, managing frustration, or following instructions.
- Visual reinforcement – Utilize visual reinforcement charts, where individuals can visually track their progress and see the rewards they are working towards. This provides a visual representation of their achievements and motivates continued positive behavior.
Implementing these behavioral strategies can help individuals with autism navigate challenging situations more effectively, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of tantrums. It is important to tailor these strategies to meet the specific needs and abilities of each individual, considering their communication skills, cognitive abilities, and developmental level.
Dealing with Extreme Tantrums
For individuals with autism who experience extreme tantrums, it is crucial to have strategies in place to address aggressive behaviors and de-escalate the situation effectively. These can be a result of high levels of overstimulation and can manifest in behaviors such as screaming, kicking, or biting.
Here are some strategies to consider:
Aggressive Behaviors and De-escalation
When a child with autism exhibits aggressive behaviors during an extreme tantrum, it is essential to prioritize their safety and the safety of those around them. Immediate de-escalation strategies can help manage the situation and provide a calm and safe environment for the child to regain control.
Here are some techniques to consider:
Portable Sensory Tool Kits
Portable sensory tool kits can be invaluable in managing extreme meltdowns in individuals with autism. These kits contain various items that cater to the sensory needs of the individual, providing comfort and regulation.
Having a portable kit can help individuals with sensory needs regulate and cope with extreme meltdowns. The specific items included may vary based on the individual’s preferences and sensory sensitivities.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is crucial for managing tantrums among autistic individuals. By providing a space that minimizes sensory overload and promotes a sense of calm, you can help prevent and de-escalate challenging behaviors.
Let’s explore two strategies that parents and caregivers can use to create a supportive environment.
Quiet Spaces and Diminished Stimuli
Individuals with autism or sensory processing dysfunction may experience sensory overstimulation during times of anxiety and stress. This overstimulation can lead to a physiological “traffic jam” in the central nervous system, triggering a “fight or flight response” due to difficulties regulating sensory inputs from the environment.
To address this, it’s important to create quiet spaces that serve as safe havens during meltdowns or moments of distress. These spaces should be free from excessive noise, bright lights, and overwhelming visual stimuli.
Consider using a designated room or a specific area within a room where the individual can retreat to when needed. This space should be equipped with soothing elements such as soft lighting, comfortable seating, and calming sensory items like weighted blankets or sensory toys.
In addition to quiet spaces, minimizing stimuli in the environment can greatly contribute to creating a supportive setting. This can be achieved by reducing clutter, removing unnecessary visual distractions, and maintaining a calm and predictable atmosphere. Establishing a consistent routine and providing visual schedules can also help individuals with autism feel more secure and in control.
On-the-Go Calming Techniques
Managing tantrums and meltdowns in individuals with autism extends beyond the home environment. It’s important to have strategies in place to address challenging behaviors when away from home as well. On-the-go calming techniques can be invaluable in helping individuals regulate their emotions and sensory experiences.
One effective tool for on-the-go calming is a portable sensory tool kit. These kits can include items tailored to the individual’s sensory needs, such as sunglasses for light sensitivity, noise-canceling headphones for auditory stimuli, or chewy snacks for oral proprioceptive input.
Other items that can be included are weighted lap pads for deep touch pressure, unscented hand wipes for tactile sensitivities, preferred scented hand lotion for calming smells, and fidget toys for repetitive, calming effects. These tools provide individuals with sensory needs the means to self-regulate and find comfort in various environments.
When confronted with challenging behaviors outside of the home, finding a quiet and safe space is still important. This could be a designated area in public spaces or a nearby calm location where the individual can retreat to for self-soothing. It’s essential to stay calm, provide reassurance, and avoid taking the meltdown personally.
By using the strategies above, you can help individuals with autism manage their emotions and sensory experiences more effectively. These strategies contribute to a sense of safety and security, enabling individuals to navigate the world with greater ease and reducing the frequency and intensity of tantrums and meltdowns.
Eagle’s Will provides top-notch ABA therapy tailored in Charlotte, North Carolina to each individual’s needs. Contact us today to discover how our expert services can make a significant difference in your or your child’s journey.