Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Preventing and Stopping an Attack
• Method 2 of 3: Using deep pressure
• Method 3 of 3: Vestibular Stimulation Exercise
• Tips
• Warnings

Children with autism are often annoyed by things like touch, light and sound. They may also feel tired or upset about sudden situations that change their way of life. Because autistic children often find it difficult to express how they are feeling, they may have so-called seizures. During an attack, the child may scream, beat, damage property, and even react aggressively to others. Such children are easily overexcited, so it is important for parents to learn how to calm them down. Every child is an individual, so try different approaches to find the one that's right for your child.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Preventing and Stopping an Attack

1. 1 Find out what caused the attack. Once you find the cause, you can avoid things that upset your child in the future. This is important when you need to reassure your child. Pay attention to your child's reactions to certain situations. A parent or guardian can avoid unpleasant situations by learning to anticipate the child's reaction in advance.
   • Keep a notebook and write down the child's behavior in certain circumstances in order to avoid situations that provoke the onset of a seizure in the future. You can also use a smartphone app to record attacks and their causes.
   • The most common reasons for the onset of seizures in autistic children are lifestyle changes or disruptions, overexcitement, frustration, and communication difficulties.
   • Attacks are different from tantrums. Tantrums are usually deliberate public play that stops as soon as you give the child what he wants (or as soon as he sees that he will not achieve his goal. (An attack occurs when an autistic child is under such intense stress that cannot control himself, becomes helpless and does not stop until he is completely exhausted.
2. 2 Stick to your usual lifestyle. When a child lives a normal life, he can predict what will happen next. This helps him stay calm.
   • An illustrated timetable will help your child to visualize their daily or weekly routine.
   • If you know there will be changes to your schedule on a certain day, take your time and prepare your child for it. Talk to him in advance and inform about the upcoming changes clearly and patiently.
   • When you bring your child to a new location, it is best to do so in a relaxed environment.This means that you need to choose a time when there will be as few people and noise as possible.
3. 3 Communicate with your child so that everything is clear to him. Verbal communication is a source of frustration for a large number of autistic children. Speak with them patiently, respectfully, and be clear about your thoughts.
   • Do not yell at the child or raise your voice, or this may worsen the seizure.
   • If verbal communication is difficult for your child, try communicating with him using pictures or other forms through photographs or other forms of alternative communication.
   • Remember that communication is a two-way process. Always listen to your child and let him know that you value and respect what he is telling you. Ask him additional questions if you need clarification to avoid seizure-inducing situations.
4. 4 Distract your child if the reason is emotional or psychological. When your child is upset, you can use distraction to calm them down. Try to play with enthusiasm with his favorite toy, watch your favorite movies or listen to your favorite music. Whenever possible, use what the child is especially interested in.
   • Distraction won't always work. For example, asking your little sister about her stone collection may distract her from her fear of getting the flu shot, but it won't help if the seam on her dress rubs her skin and feels like she's on fire.
   • Once the child is completely calm, you should talk to him about what made him angry or irritated. Find out what happened and together find ways to prevent this from happening in the future.
5. 5 Change your child's environment. Your child may be upset about hypersensitivity and anxiety. If this happens, it is best to move the child to a different environment or change the environment (for example, turn off loud music) to reduce overexcitation.
   • For example, if a child reacts painfully to fluorescent lights, then it is better to take him to a room with different lighting, instead of forcing him to put up with it.
   • Take precautions if your child is in a place where it is impossible to change the environment. For example, you can give your child sunglasses (to prevent increased sensitivity to light) or ear plugs (to muffle noise). Consider precautions for your child ahead of time.
6. 6 Give your child some space. Sometimes children just need time to get in touch with you again. Leave the child in a place safe from external stimuli for a while so that he can calm down.
   • Don't forget about safety. Never leave a small child alone unattended, never lock a child of any age in a room. Make sure he is safe and can leave the room any time he wants.
7. 7 After the seizure is over, discuss the incident with your child. Act as a rule: Instead of blaming or punishing your child, discuss options for preventing seizures and how to deal with stress. Try to talk about the following:
   • What did the child think was the cause of the seizure? (Listen to his answer patiently.)
   • How can you avoid similar situations in the future?
   • What strategies can help you more effectively (breathing space, counting, taking deep breaths, asking to leave, etc.)?
   • What is the plan for future seizures?

Method 2 of 3: Using deep pressure

1. 1 Apply the deep pressure method. Children with autism often process sensory information differently, which can be stressful and even painful. The deep pressure method helps to relax the muscles.
   • Try wrapping the baby tightly or covering them with several blankets.The weight of the blankets creates a soothing pressure, but be sure not to cover your face when doing this to avoid interfering with normal breathing.
   • You can make your own deep pressure fixtures or order them online. These can be blankets, toys, vests, knee mats, and so on.
2. 2 Give your child a deep massage. Massage is a great way to interact with your child through a special deep tissue massage technique that strengthens the bond between parent and child. Place the baby between your legs. Place your palms on his shoulders and begin to perform squeezing massage movements. Then slowly move your palms over the surface of the child's arms and shoulders.
   • If you do not know how to do massage correctly, consult a massage therapist or just a friend who knows how to do back massage.
3. 3 Try applying pressure through a pillow. To do this, you need to place your child on a soft surface, such as a pillow. Have the child sit or lie down, then use a second pillow to apply slow, pulsating pressure to the torso, arms, and legs.
   • Never cover the baby's face to avoid blocking the airway.

Method 3 of 3: Vestibular Stimulation Exercise

1. 1 Learn how vestibular stimulation works. The vestibular apparatus is necessary for balance and a sense of orientation in space. Vestibular exercises can help calm the baby with rocking movements.
   • Repetitive movements calm the child and reorient their attention to the physical sensations.
2. 2 Rock the child back and forth. Place the child on the swing and swing gently. Choose an interval of swing, deceleration, and acceleration that will allow your child to begin to calm down. Stop immediately if the swing makes it worse.
   • It is a great idea to set up the swing right in the house, which will allow you to practice the correct execution technique. You can use such a swing in any weather and season.
   • Some children can swing on the swing on their own. In this case, gently invite the child to go swing.
3. 3 Spin your child in the chair. Rotation is a stimulating vestibular exercise. It can help you end the attack by distracting your child's attention and redirecting them to physical sensations.
   • Office chairs are best suited for this, as they rotate very easily.
   • Make sure your child is securely seated in the seat to avoid injury.
   • Some children may close their eyes, while others prefer to keep them open.

Tips

• Speak in an even, soothing tone.
• Discuss your parenting practices regularly with teachers and caregivers to help ensure consistency.
• If you feel frustrated or frustrated, acknowledge these feelings and try to deal with them, but do not spill them out on your child.

Warnings

• If you are worried that your child might harm themselves or others, or if you feel like you’re not doing well and don’t know what to do, ask another family member or nanny to help you.
• If your child is having a seizure, throwing things, or feeling cornered, approach him carefully - he may inadvertently harm you.