Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Often times, people who suffer from autism will block, erupt, or collapse when they are upset or overwhelmed. If you are with them at that time, it is important that you know what to do to calm them down.

To step

1. If the person is verbal, ask what's going on.If it's a commercial on the television or loud noise, take it elsewhere (somewhere quieter).
   • During a severe sensory overload, people who are normally verbal may suddenly lose the ability to speak. This is due to severe sensory overload and will pass if the person is able to relax a little. If someone has lost the ability to speak, only ask yes / no questions so that they can answer with a thumbs up or down.
     
     
2. Switch televisions, music, etc. off and avoid bright lighting. Often people with autism have problems with the sensory input; they hear, feel and see things much more intensely than others. It's like the volume of everything has been turned up much higher.
3. Offer a massage. Many people with autism benefit greatly from therapeutic massage. Help them get into a comfortable position, gently knead their temples, massage their shoulders, rub their back or feet. Keep your movements sweet, gentle, and caring.
4. Don't try to stop self-stimulating behavior. Self-stimulating behaviors are a set of repetitive movements that act as mechanisms of calming for people with autism. Some examples of this are: fluttering your hands, tapping your fingers and rocking back and forth. Self-stimulating behaviors can help counteract the symptoms of collapse. However, if someone injures themselves (eg hitting things with their fists, banging their head against the wall, etc.) then you better stop that person. Distraction is better than restraint and will result in fewer injuries.
5. Offer to apply gentle pressure to their body. If the person is sitting upright, stand behind them and cross your arms across their chest. Look to the side and rest your jaw on his or her head. Push gently and ask if they want you to push harder or softer. This is called deep pressure, and it should help them relax and feel better.
6. If they break or take things out, move any objects that could injure them. Protect their heads by either placing it on your lap or by placing a pillow underneath.
7. If they don't mind being touched, do this. Hold them, rub their shoulders and give them some affection. This can help them relax. If they say they don't want to be touched, don't take it personally; they may simply not be able to tolerate touch at this point.
8. Remove any uncomfortable clothing if they are okay with this. Many people with autism would become even more angry when they are touched or when clothes are taken off by other people. Scarves, sweaters, or ties can exacerbate the anxiety of people with autism. Ask first, as movements can make sensory overload even worse.
9. Carry or take them to a quiet place if you can. If this is not possible, encourage people in the room to leave. Explain that unexpected sounds and movements are causing problems for the person with autism right now and that person will happily spend some time with them later.
10. Call for help when the situation escalates further. Parents, teachers, or caregivers may know what they can do to help. They may be able to provide specific insights about the special needs of the person with autism.

Tips

• Even though they are not verbal, you can still talk to them. Reassure them and speak in a gentle voice. This can help them calm down.
• Stay calm. If you stay calm, the person with autism will also be able to calm down more easily.
• Verbal reassurance can help, but if it doesn't help you should stop talking and remain silent.
• Make sure all requests and orders are withdrawn, as often the discomfort is caused by sensory overload. That's why a quiet room can come in so handy (if available).
• Stay with them after the collapse. Supervise them as they may feel exhausted and / or angry. Leave if they request it and if they are old enough to be able to stay alone.
• Check your clothes before attempting to hold the person close to you to reassure them. Some people hate the feel of some fabrics such as cotton, flannel or wool and this can make the problem they experience worse. Let go as they stiffen or push you away.
• Try not to be afraid of a collapse. Treat them like any other person who is upset.
• Try to carry the child on your shoulders or in your arms. This can have a very calming effect and, moreover, the child will not be able to put himself in a dangerous situation.
• If the person is calm enough afterwards, ask what caused the collapse. Once you have obtained such information, you can adjust the environment accordingly.

Warnings

• Do not reprimand the person for having a breakdown.While the person will no doubt know that a collapse in public is not acceptable, you should know that a collapse is usually the breaking point of accumulated stress that cannot be controlled.
• Collapses are never a cry for attention. Don't treat this as a simple tantrum. This is extremely difficult to control and often results in the person with autism feeling ashamed or guilty.
• Never leave the person alone unless you are in a safe and trusted environment.
• Never yell at the person. Remember that he or she is autistic, so this may be the only way their discomfort can be expressed.
• Never hit the person.