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coping with meltdowns alone

NAS78442

Iam finding it difficult when my child has a meltdown outside,as iam on my own with her.

She runs away and screams at me and tries to hit me if i go near,but also puts herself in dangerous places at the same time.

Sometimes a meltdown can be up to an hour,and i feel so useless and stressed as she wont listen.

Any advice welcome.

Parents

  • How old is she, if you don't mind me asking? What triggers the meltdown? Once you know that, you can start figuring out what to do next. Is it noisy? The traffic? Crowded? Unfamiliar place? The unknown about whats going to happen? What about the smell? 

    Once you know, you will know how to help. Can you take ear defenders out, sensory toys, a Teddy or toy she likes. If it is the unknown, visuals are great to use. Tell her what's going to happen in an order and get her to tick or cross it when it's happened. 

    If she runs away, give her space or sometimes, offering a hug can work, if they like being hugged. If she is hitting, a sensory toy could help and tell her 'no hitting' or 'hands to yourself'. What does she do to put herself in dangerous places? You are a great parent and I'm sure you are doing everything you can. We have similar issues so I hope these can be some sort of help. Sorry if it's not. Good luck. 

  • in reply to NAS80219

    thank you for your reply. She is 8,and iam not totally sure of all the triggers,but being tired is one.  I think she runs off to find a safe place where she can hide.

    She can try and go under parked cars, or find any small places,or be tempted to run across roads.

    Last week she was on a bouncy castle for a long time,then had a meltdown,and ive noticed before,when she plays sports,she wont stop untill she gets tired, then meltdown . and of course if we are out,its getting back home. i will try your tips,thanks

  • in reply to NAS78442

    Being tired itself is just a big trigger. Being tired makes everything worse. If she is trying to hide, you could bring a blanket everywhere and when she needs it, she could go under it but just be careful due to suffocation. It sounds like one of our students at school, I'm a SEN teacher specialising in autism. She has a lot of energy and won't stop moving until she's tried but then when she is tired, she really struggles and meltdowns. 

  • in reply to NAS80219

    thank you for your reply. She has sensory processing issues too, and cant recognize when she is full from eating, her body temperature and whenever she is overtired.

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