{"id":1641,"date":"2023-07-11T07:56:29","date_gmt":"2023-07-11T07:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/appliedabcstg.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=1641"},"modified":"2025-06-23T11:21:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:21:00","slug":"how-to-communicate-with-a-nonverbal-child-having-a-meltdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/appliedabc.com\/es\/how-to-communicate-with-a-nonverbal-child-having-a-meltdown\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Communicate With A Nonverbal Child Having A Meltdown"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Understanding and Supporting Children With Autism During Meltdowns<\/h2>\n

When a child has a public meltdown, it is natural for parents to feel distressed and want to stop the tears. Parents may be coping with multiple meltdowns a day over seemingly small things like an itchy tag on a shirt, loud noises, or changes in routines.<\/p>\n

Louise Bedrossian defines meltdowns as \u201can involuntary physical and emotional reaction to a situation from which there is no perceived escape.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Crying is a way to release tension and emotions, often from feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimulations. Children with autism have different ways of interacting with the world, and what may seem small to you could feel much larger to them.<\/p>\n

To support children effectively during these meltdowns, parents can follow the following steps:<\/p>\n

1. Be Patient and Focus on Your Child<\/h2>\n

It can be hard, especially if your child has had a really bad day but be patient.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Avoid getting visibly upset or angered at your child – or any judgmental bystanders – focus on your child\u2019s needs. Don\u2019t beat yourself up, and remember that the person struggling and who needs your support is your child.<\/p>\n

Be reassuring and avoid any form of punishment. Punishments can make children feel shame, anxiety, fear, and even resentment. Children with ASD can\u2019t control their meltdowns and shouldn\u2019t be punished for it.<\/p>\n

Do not have your child seclude themselves and tell them they can only come out when they\u2019ve calmed down. This sends the wrong message and can make your child feel that they don\u2019t deserve to be around those they love when they\u2019re having a hard time.<\/p>\n

Instead, allow them the space to cry and release their emotions with you present. Take them somewhere else if you must but stay with them.<\/p>\n

2. Be Empathetic<\/h2>\n

Have your child express how they are feeling and why. Listen intently and acknowledge their struggle without any judgment.<\/p>\n

It is completely normal and even healthy to express our emotions, even if it is overwhelmingly so. Crying is completely normal and a healthy way to release tension and stress. It\u2019s important to give children the ability to feel free to express themselves \u2013 permitting it doesn\u2019t cause harm to themselves or others.<\/p>\n

Everyone wants to feel heard, especially someone who may frequently feel misunderstood. When empathizing with someone, you validate their experiences, and they feel heard.<\/p>\n

3. Do Not Cause More Overstimulation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Keep the 1-to-1 rule in mind, meaning only one person \u2013 whether it\u2019s a parent, sibling, therapist or whoever your child trusts \u2013 speak with them directly without any other parties. It\u2019s important not to have too many people surrounding the child and speaking over one another.<\/p>\n

The child may not even want to communicate; they can be so overwhelmed by their feelings that they can\u2019t hear us or want to speak. Instead, simply sit with them and let them know that they\u2019re safe, supported, and loved.<\/p>\n

4. Keep Sensory Toys on Hand<\/h2>\n

Sensory toys can be helpful for calming a child with autism during a meltdown by providing a physical outlet for emotional and sensory overload.<\/p>\n

The sensory input the toy provides can help regulate your child’s emotions and behavior.<\/p>\n

Kids have different favorites, and there are a lot of options, but some common sensory tools include:<\/p>\n