So many meltdowns

[chocomoccalocca]

Ds nearly 6 suspected ADHD and Autism in the last few weeks has had so many meltdowns. I know holidays can be harder but we have not had anything like this in the past. Today he had a meltdown whilst out and wouldn't stay in the car, kept undoing his seatbelt in the end I managed to get him in and calmed down but took ages and was so hard. Is this how it will always be now or is this just a trickier phase that will become more manageable again?

None of us have got a crystal ball, sadly! Holidays are definitely v hard for some kids (and their parents...)

Why were you in the car? Was there an alternative to doing that thing? How does he feel about the car generally? Was he perhaps hungry, thirsty, tired?

I think 6 is a hard age because they're becoming more aware but can't necessarily communicate how they feel.

We had been out with friends for a walk. He had a meltdown before the car and we had gone to try and diffuse the situation as was getting more worked up. Generally he likes the car but really knew he has hit meltdown he just loses the ability to be rational in anyway. I am annoyed that I hadn't taken his tablet as hugging him and giving him something to watch generally calms him down. It was the first time I have ever had him lose it when out on my own and not been able to calm him down. We were half an hour away so felt really daunting especially with a younger one with me to.

For the car, do you have a crelling harness? If DS is generally OK in the car you don’t have to use it all the time. You could have it just for the difficulties times.

If hugging helps have you tried a weighted vest? Or a cuddle ball. You wouldn’t be able to go for a walk in it, but a bodysok can be brilliant.

If your younger DC is under 5, you could see if Home Start can support you. They might be able provide another pair of hands for a short time to support you getting out of the house.