Sunday, March 18, 2012

Meltdown Type I - Overtired/Exhausted

 

I have seen this meltdown occur with Jackson when he is has been gone several days without enough good rest. Today was one of worst I have seen and it occurred when I was trying to get him to lay down for a nap this morning because he was obviously so tired.

The meltdown involved:

  • Kicking
  • Screaming
  • Crying
  • Hitting
  • Little word usage

 

Some things I tried to get him to relax:

  • Getting him to communicate with words instead of yelling. This was not that useful during the meltdown but he was receptive to putting his feelings into words during the periods he was calm.
  • Talking to him calmly and reassuringly while he was most anxious seemed to be more effective in this type of meltdown more than others.

Possible causes:

  • Exhaustion
  • He seemed more receptive than usual to outside stimuli such as noises outside his room and light from the window.

Take away items for me:

  • See if there are AS meltdown specific books. If so I would love to read one.
  • Talk to him calmly during this type of meltdown.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Shopping

Shopping is such a challenge with Jackson. We shopped some last night and he was crazy. He had several minor meltdowns over very minor issues, such as not running all over the store. I ended up taking Alaina out of her seat in the cart and letting the 2 year old walk where I could put Jackson in the cart to control him.

I am trying some methods I read in a book called Parenting a Child With Asperger’s 200 Tips and Techniques to see if I can make them any better. I will say the first one did not seem to help.

The first thing I tried was to set him down before we leave and explain where we are going, why we are going, and what I expect from him. This was done to try and help reduce some of the anxiety or stress that can occur with him over the unknown.

I also tried to remove him from the area he was having the meltdown and get him refocused and talk to him about the meltdown and why it occurred. That seemed to help a little. I am going to continue to try these just because will be an adjustment period for him and any new routines.