Managing Meltdowns

Book excerpt: When facing a chaotic or threatening situation, fear overwhelms an individual with autism. 'Meltdowns,' or catastrophic reactions, can be scary for the individual with autism, and for the person trying to help if they don't know how to react. Common autistic coping strategies such as hand-flapping or leg-shaking can be misperceived as temper tantrums, and response techniques commonly recommended in times of distress, such as maintaining eye contact or using light touch, can be exacerbating rather than helpful. Using the easy-to-remember S.C.A.R.E.D., coined by clinical psychologist Will Richards, this guide offers strategies and practical techniques that will be a reference tool to anyone in a first response position. The authors have created a training program to explain the autistic experience and mindset, and guide the interventions of first responders to autistic individuals in crisis.