#AUTISTIC MELTDOWN ADULTS HOW TO#
I started wondering how to help families BEFORE meltdowns become a crisis. This training includes what kinds of additional items they should consider putting in their 72-hour kit, how to best accommodate loved ones with autism if the need should arise to go to shelter during a disaster or severe weather, and much more.īeing an emergency responder myself as well as a single mom of two autistic teens, I realized that many of the calls we respond to have already become a crisis because a meltdown of some sort has occurred, and the situation is now escalated to the point where the family can no longer safely intervene. I also teach emergency preparedness to Autism families to help them be ready for the worst in their community. The number one rule, at least in EMS, is that we all go home at the end of the shift. This training has changed the way responders assess and handle situations, ensuring safety for everyone involved. I’ve spent the last several years teaching emergency responders how to recognize someone as autistic, whether it’s a police matter, medical emergency or search and rescue call. Image courtesy of interacting with autism What items have you found useful on a scene to calm a patient? Share your comments below! Remember NEVER give a patient your phone, keys or flashlight. These disposable penlights are cheap and will offer a means for distraction during your assessment, without sacrificing any of your own personal tools. My son was OBSESSED with light switches and remote controls as a child. Autism Sensory Item Number 5: PenlightsĬhildren with autism are often fascinated with cause-and-effect activities. My son prefers headphones over earplugs but may use these if they are the only alternative and he’s heading into overwhelm from the noise. Because they go inside the ear, however, someone with autism may or may not tolerate them. Simple, soft foam earplugs from Walmart can help block out unnecessary noise on scene. If you don’t have access to this type of toy, many dollar stores have the little squishy, nubby balls that work just as well. Within the stitched mesh there’s a movable marble. Similar to “stress balls” these fidgets are wonderful to have on hand. Autism Sensory Item Number 3: Fidget Toys It will simply take a little longer, so be patient. Remember, just because someone with autism appears to not be paying attention (lack of eye contact, engaged in another activity), they typically can still hear you and process what you are asking. These little guys are AWESOME! They are best used as a distraction, especially to keep idle hands busy while doing any primary questioning.
(And if you’re a good Paramedic/EMT/LEO you should always have this on hand anyway!) Autism Sensory Item Number 2: Miniature Slinky
The simple act of allowing someone in the midst of overwhelm to write down their needs can be a true lifesaver. As the brain escalates, the ability to be rational and articulate diminishes rapidly. Even someone who is typically verbal will have challenges once this begins. Here are the ones that have been most helpful to me on scenes (these are not affiliate links, I receive no revenue or credits for promoting any of the below items): Autism Sensory Item Number 1: Paper and PenĪ meltdown is a product of sensory overload and is rooted in the nervous system. I’ve learned over the years that there are some simple items you can always have on hand that may aid in keeping an autistic person calm and helping to avert sensory meltdowns. Can you turn off the lights and sirens? Can you remove the person from the main part of the scene and get them into the back of the ambulance, where it’s quieter? If not, can you remove unnecessary bystanders and personnel? How about allowing one main person to do the assessment and ask questions?Įven with these techniques in play, emergency situations can still be extremely overwhelming for autistic children AND adults alike. To help alleviate this, it’s always best to try and eliminate triggers first. Add sensory processing issues to the mix and have a recipe for imminent meltdown. Joe, knowing is half the battleĪs you know, emergency situations are challenging for EVERYONE. If you are on a chaotic scene and you’ve identified either a patient or family member as autistic, congratulations! Understanding a person’s gifts and challenges and communication style goes a long way in being able to help them.
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