Advice re meltdowns please.....

[overthebar]

My DS 3.0 ( currently being assessed and highly likely ASD)has started major tantrums in the last few weeks. Am starting to avoid going out as afraid of what he will do next. He will just throw himself (no sense of danger so could be on the patio or down the stairs) and is hurting himself. It seems like frustration as severe speech delay so communicating is a problem but we are working on it. Just dont know how to deal with it as not sure if one of the symptons or just being naughty and trying to get his own way or a combo of all 3! Sound familiar anyone?
Thx

Yes it is familiar - ds nonverbal at 3 (now 9)used to throw himself headfirst in frustration. ( His meltdowns worsened at 3 also) Are you getting salt? We paid to see a specialised SALT ( ABA trained) and it was really helpful (no nhs salt available). We also set up visual timetable ( I used a little peg line with photos in pockets to show our day order,) and ds had a little photobook ( he was very delayed understanding symbols) so he could show me his needs. The biggest communication breakthrough was 'first - then' ie dinner first -then pudding! I am sure others whose children are still little will be along soon!

MAgso's advice is good advice.

DS3 wasn't much of a ttantrummer until the last feww eeks, but PECs symbols are worth looking at, and making sure you get the SALT inout you are entitled to.

Also look at safety- ds3 was on reinsuntil he sussed the catch recently- and diet: salycylates and gluten for starters. Often have a major effect.

These meltdowns arereally common in ASD though and the trick is to get to the botom of it- so ABA or fnctional analysis techniques- and lots of opportunities for time in a very low sensory environment, advance plabnninga nd warning on routine changes and activity chnages- that sort of thing

Are you getting help at all? Earlybird goes over a lot of strategies with this sort of behavior. I did Earlybird for my daughter but she was already in year 2 and I wish I had done it when she was much younger.