Meltdowns - what are you actually meant to do?

[essbee]

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I didn't know he;d been in hospital, my cousin swore her sons (NT) was always bad after GA's - she used to use homeopathy.

Anyway meltdowns- I find staying there to try and prevent harm, but switching off emotionally and not trying to stop it is the way to go. So if he's headbutting something I might say "no headbutting" and put my hand between his head and the surface, if he;s biting himself then "hands down". I also try to sidle in and distract, although that often takes a long time to work.

At times when you have to move them, I think there is very little that can be done. I sometimes have this outside and it is very difficult. I really want to organise some parental handling training- will of course let you know if/when we do.

If I do have tyo move him I find that standing behind him with my arms wrapped around his front so his hands are down then trying to shuffle is the best way- unless I can pick and carry, but he;s getting a bit big for that.

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BIBIC took us through the restraint methods after Sam atatcked me. They said the best thing to do was to get a duvet and wrap it round them, then hug them tight. that way no-one can be harmed. I try and ignore it, altho obv if ds2 and 3 are in danger (often are) then I have to intervene, which does worsen things. Then I put them on my lap and rock them, looking at them all the time and not at Sam, but talking to Sam in a low voice (eye contact in melt down upsets him I think)- 'kinda Sam's feeling a bit stressed right now and we understand that but he knows he can't be like this. Sam needs some time out'- repeatedly. Doesn't stop it, but caps it a bit

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The other thing was to keep cushions in every room for Sam to vent his frustrations on, wheich would ahve been a good idea except that they became weapons, but might work for you.