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What’s the #1 do-away for teens with Autism? Parents and professionals agree. Meltdowns!

The word “meltdown” is not objective or measurable. Professionals can tell. To others, it can look like a temper tantrum.

Teens with Autism having meltdowns initially show signs of negative behavior. From there, they become out of control. Anxiety occurs too.

Autism and Meltdowns

Meltdowns can be common and widespread in teens with Autism. It’s both an internal and external struggle.

• Sensory overload
• Lack of verbal ability
• Loss of physical and personal control
• Variety level of anxiety (chemically)
• Psychological and medical community (diagnose versus temper tantrum)

Strategies for Parents

Help with meltdowns begins with diagnosis. Is it something more? Check it out through clinically tested and evaluated assessments. From there, parents can pursue health, wellness, and medicine.

• Spend the majority of time preventing meltdowns (key).
• Use hand/body signals.
• Avoid reacting to bad behavior.
• Identify what the meltdown looks like.
• Intervene before things get out of hand.

Answers from Within 

Stopping meltdowns is often the goal for teens with Autism. Unfortunately, the job belongs to adults. The teens should take the responsibility too.

• Define “meltdown” using personal views.
• Avoid arguing and yelling.
• Look for body cues.
• Identify if things are escalating. 
• Consider how long things can last.

Meltdowns for teens with Autism are usually impossible to eradicate completely. Look for early signals such as oversensitivity, negative thoughts, and uncontrollable feelings. Work together and take control to decrease frequency.

QUESTION: What strategies do you use for meltdowns?