At breaking point with DD’s meltdowns…

[SENMUM63838]

DD is 8 and has autism, has to attend an SEN school and receives highest amount of DLA (to show level of needs) and she is currently on Risperidone because she used to punch herself all day long beforehand.

Just recently her behaviour has gone massively downhill to the point where I don’t feel able to manage it. Im a single parent and my family do help but not on a daily basis.

It just feels like the minute she’s not at school and is at home, from the minute she wakes up until she goes to sleep she’s in meltdown mode - loads of screaming and crying, throwing things, hitting other people and herself. It’s completely unsustainable and it’s got to the point where I’m not even in the right head space to deal with it like I normally would (strategies or tactics etc).

Any advice?

Do you think she might be in pain? My son always shows more extreme behaviours like this when he is in pain. He has lots of gastric issues and he wasn’t able to articulate where it hurt. Gastric problems for some strange reason are really common in autistic people
how long has she been on her medication could she be having some unknown side effect?
how long has she been this distressed
are you able to have someone watch her while you make her room safe by removing all breakables and putting just her bed and soft toys in there with a stairgate so at least she can be safe in her room while you catch your breath and carryon

Also what is she like at school do you have any parent outreach at your school and are you able to go in a speak to her teachers about the problems your having at home

Have you had social care assessments? A carer’s assessment for you and an assessment via the disabled children’s team for DD.

When was the last time DD had a meds review?

What support is included in the EHCP? Have you thought about an early review?

Some people find Yvonne Newbold’s resources helpful for VCB.