This is a huge topic to fit in 1 blog but I’m going to give it a go.  Based upon our experiences with anxiety, meltdowns and autism with Iris but I hear from speaking with others on the spectrum it will apply to many so hopefully sharing will help.

Managing Anxiety & Meltdowns on the Spectrum

It isn’t that being autistic means straight away Iris has anxiety or a behavioural disorder, but it can be a by-product of her complex set of processing differences.  We can lower anxiety by understanding the causes behind it.

It is not possible to separate the autistic processing differences from Iris. 

You cannot ‘cure’ her from this.  It is how she functions, how her brain is wired in its own unique way.  It can be overly active, acutely sensitive and have underdeveloped pathways to different areas but also overdeveloped scattered connections too.  I’m not sure I will ever know exactly why but I do know there is an effective and productive way forwards.  We can aid and support, live a happier healthier life. 

We can reduce anxiety therefore lowering the likelihood of meltdowns & shutdowns.  

I regularly assess Iris’s unique ways of perceiving and processing the world and create plans to support her through her sensory, cognitive, social, and emotional struggles. 

What can cause a Meltdown/Shutdown?

Try to imagine a meltdown or shutdown like the lightning in the storm, before this happens there is a build-up, clouds gather, there is a change in the air.  Many components come together to create a storm and this is the same with a Meltdown or shutdown. 

It is hardly ever one trigger, more like an ever changing, morphing set of moving clouds.   We need to look at the whole picture and all of the elements – triggers. These can also be amplified when you factor in insomnia or communication difficulties. A meltdown is when the bodies stress chemicals have got to extreme levels, the “fight or flight” reaction sets in.  A lightning bolt – immediate release of these chemicals.  A shutdown on the other hand is like the opposite, it’s a protective mode to manage the stress chemicals getting too high.  Both are signs of extreme distress and should never be looked upon as a tantrum or to be ashamed of. 

What can we do to help with anxiety and Meltdowns

A few examples:

Sensory Issues

Too noisy – ear defenders or ear plugs, move to a quiet area, turn lights and electronics off

Sensitivity to light – turns lights off, sunglasses on outside or in the car.

Feelings within the body – deep pressure, massage can disperse the stress chemical build up

Smells from cooking – open windows

Cluttered space – tidy up, keep things in order and clean space

Too hot/cold – help change clothing, open windows…adjust temp

Uncomfortable clothing – try using soft cotton clothing, no labels, good fit

Out of control

Not knowing what is happening next or how long an activity will go on for – make a clear plan, break down into small stages

Try adding in more closed loop activities with a clear start and finish in one session.

Being told what to do – give choices

Needing independence – teach life skills in manageable stages

Stressed in new situations – prepare before with social stories, looking at websites, google maps…

Changes of plan – give a clear new plan to refer to

Social Demands

Social Demands and Pressure – Give time and more time.  Socialising is exhausting for someone who is autistic.  Reduce pressure where possible.

Triggers – observe what is triggering them and try to reduce those parts or help them manage the triggers so that it will help settle the clouds brewing.

For every person on the spectrum what helps them through their anxiety and what calms the storm in a meltdown will be different.  I’m afraid its very often a case of trial and error to work it out.  Start with observing what naturally works, what are they drawn to as they calm down.  Create a ‘Happy Basket’ of sensory items and things that help them and you through the tough times or in the recovery stage after a meltdown. Iris’s basket includes sensory putty, a song book journal with the lyrics of all of her favourite songs, fabric that feels like Luna her rabbit, perfumed moisteriser, song list from Spotify, photo journal of activities and outings we have done. They are all items to calm, to transport Iris into a different frame of mind.

Work out if they need more clarity in the plan for the day.  Maybe tasks need to be broken down into bit size chunks.  Sometimes a set protocol that works when they are feeling things going in the wrong direction can help.    Create an emotional support plan that you can all work from. 

Environment

At times the environment needs to change, the simple act of moving Iris into another space can shift and change the mood & emotions.  One of the hardest challenges I have found is realising when the environment is literally human, it’s us, it’s me. How to handle that when it’s the people around you too, your family.  Our words, our body language, our speech.  Without realising it we are within the clouds gathering adding to the storm.

How we can make conversations easier

So this whizz stop tour comes to and end but I hope it’s the beginning of a journey to finding solutions that make life a little easier. 

For more information please have a read of our e-booklet on The Little Explorers Activity Club website.

Please share in the comments any advice, thoughts and experiences you have had with this as a person on the spectrum or a parent, carer 😊