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.

This book is ideal for parents and carers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 2 - 9 (and potentially older depending on developmental level), who are looking for guidance and proactive behavioural strategies in managing tantrums and meltdowns. It offers an empathetic approach and provides explanations of what goes on in the brain and body of someone experiencing a meltdown, describing sensory reactions and brain processes. The authors help the reader to distinguish between tantrums and meltdowns, and how to react to these different emotional states. Summarising key strategies, the book then provides short- and long-term strategies to implement, offering practical response plans and a toolbox of techniques that empower parents to further support their child.

This book's seven-phase model, which is similar to positive behavior support, helps teachers pinpoint specific behaviors, develop interventions at each phase, and create an individualized behavior support plan.

Offering positive strategies for dealing with and preventing out-of-control behavior, Dr. Baker helps parents with their children's behavioral problems.

Challenging behaviour, violent outbursts and meltdowns can put a strain on the entire family of a child on the autism spectrum. This book offers practical, long-term and effective strategies to help resolve common challenging behaviours using a low arousal approach – a non-aversive approach based on avoiding confrontation and reducing stress and anxiety. Managing Family Meltdown provides explanations for challenging behaviours, and offers a wealth of guidance on how families can manage different types of challenging behaviour, such as physical aggression and self-injury. The authors explore the difference between managing and changing behaviour; how our own behaviour can influence the situation; and show how by reducing stress and anxiety children are better able to process information becoming less likely to react in challenging ways. The pros and cons of medication and ways to look after your own health are also discussed. This hands-on, practical book is appropriate for children who are non-verbal, as well as those with higher functioning autism and will be indispensable for families, carers and anyone involved with children on the autism spectrum.

In a chaotic or threatening situation, fear is the primary emotional response of an autistic individual. Often the initial physical response is to freeze. 'Meltdowns', or brain overloads can be scary for the individual with autism, and for the person trying to help if they don't know how to react in this situation. Common coping strategies, such as hand flapping or leg shaking, can be misperceived as being wilful, noncompliant, and uncooperative; and some techniques commonly recommended during times of distress or crisis, such as maintaining eye contact or using light touch, can be counter-productive rather than providing relief. Using the easy-to-remember acronym S.C.A.R.E.D, coined by clinical psychologist Will Richards, this guide offers strategies and practical techniques that will be a valuable reference tool to anyone in a first response position. The authors have created a training programme to explain the autistic experience and mindset, and guide the interventions of first responders to autistic individuals in crisis.

A comprehensive guide to effectively handle and diffuse tantrums in children This practical and insightful book equips parents, caregivers, and educators with proven strategies to manage challenging behaviors and promote positive development, including: Proven Techniques: Discover research-backed techniques that address tantrums in both public and private settings, helping you navigate difficult situations with confidence. Practical Strategies: Learn step-by-step strategies to prevent tantrums, minimize their intensity, and restore calm during meltdowns, empowering you to regain control and create a peaceful environment. Tailored Approach: Understand the underlying causes of tantrums and how to respond to each child's unique needs, fostering a deeper understanding of their behavior and promoting effective communication. Positive Discipline: Explore the power of positive discipline and effective consequences, fostering a healthy parent-child relationship and promoting long-term behavioral changes. Emotional Regulation: Gain insights into emotional regulation techniques that support children in managing their emotions, leading to enhanced self-control and improved coping skills. Practical Examples: Benefit from real-life scenarios and case studies that illustrate effective strategies in action, providing relatable guidance to handle a wide range of tantrum triggers. Empathy and Connection: Learn how to foster empathy and connection with your child, building a strong emotional bond and promoting cooperation and mutual respect. Tantrums! is an invaluable resource for parents and caregivers seeking practical solutions to effectively manage tantrums, creating a harmonious environment where children can thrive. Dr. Phelan's expertise and compassionate approach make this book a must-read for anyone dealing with challenging behavior in children.