Just had a bad day

[Gottalovecosta]

DS1 (5, ASD, in process of diagnosis) has had a bad day. He attends school 9-12 daily with a 1:1 LSA.

We went to a local toddler group this afternoon with DS2 that we attend weekly and he had a meltdown, quite a big one, kicking, hitting me, hand flapping, head shaking and in the commotion he hit another child on the head.
I was very upset and we left - there was no use in staying because he needed to calm down.

We left with me crying, DS1 crying, and DS2 (who is 2) in the back, saying 'Don't cry Mummy' :( I asked DS1 why he'd done it and he said 'I'm sorry Mummy, I don't want to be angry but I can't help it' - quite an insight because he normally doesn't reply or starts crying again.

We drove home and had cuddles, a cuppa, and a (gluten free!) biscuit to calm us down.
Just feeling sad about it tonight, sitting here brooding over it.

Aw, sorry to hear about your day. Could the toddler group have been too stressful for DS1?
Hope you all have a better day tomorrow (hugs)

I think it, was - it's normally quite a small group, which is why we go, my toddler loves it and I don't want him to miss out and DS1 normally loves to sit in the corner reading through the books. Today there was more people there than normal, and the meltdown happened because he was setting up a 'scene' with happyland people and a cottage, and a toddler came along and wanted to play. Guaranteed meltdown for him, normally I could distract him with something else or the meltdown wouldn't be so big, but I think the extra people there just sent him over the edge today.

awww hugs for you and DS and a for you of course :)

On the plus side he was confident to try and explain his feelings to you so that is a step in a good direction :) Work on that and praise him for it and maybe he might be able to recognise the anxious feeling and tell you beforehand one day :)

Dont take it to heart we have all been there x

(((Hugs)))