Often autistic people can shut down or have breakdowns and nervous breakdowns if they get angry or bothered. In these cases, it is important to know how to intervene to calm them.
Steps
Step 1. If the person is able to communicate, ask them what troubled them
If you have seen a commercial on television or been bothered by a loud noise, move it away and take it to a quiet place.
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In an autistic person who communicates normally, severe sensory overload can lead to sudden loss of the ability to speak. This phenomenon is due to an excess of stimuli and diminishes as the subject calms down. If he can't speak, ask questions that he can only answer with a yes or no, using his thumbs up or down.
Stop a TV Addiction (for Kids) Step 11 Step 2. Turn off your TV, stereo or other devices and avoid touching it
Most of the time people with autism have problems with sensory stimuli: they hear, feel and see everything more intensely than others. It is as if everything has a higher volume.
Tell If a Person Has a Concussion Step 16 Step 3. Give her a massage
Many autistic people feel better when they are massaged. Then, invite the person to get into a comfortable position and gently massage them into the temples, shoulders, back, or feet. Make gentle, relaxing, and precise movements.
Encourage an Autistic Child Step 5 Step 4. Don't stop her from self-stimulating
Self-stimulation consists of a series of repetitive movements that allow autistic people to calm down. For example, they might be waving their hands, tapping their fingers, and rocking. Self-stimulation can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of nerve breakdowns and other discomforts. If, however, the person gets hurt (for example, hitting things or banging their head against the wall), don't hesitate to stop them. Distraction is preferable to control because it is less likely to harm itself.
Use Calming Techniques to Help Autistic People Step 15 Step 5. Try to apply gentle pressure on your body
If she is sitting, stand behind her and cross your arms across her chest. Bring your head to the side, bringing your cheek to your head. Press lightly, asking if she prefers harder pressure. This is called deep pressure and should help her relax and feel better.
Sleep Longer Step 2 Step 6. If he hits or squirms, move any objects he could hurt himself with
Protect her head by carrying her on your lap or by placing a pillow underneath.
Talk to an Autistic Child Step 4 Step 7. If you have no problem getting touched, don't hesitate
Hold her, massage her shoulders and show your affection. That way, he might calm down. If she tells you she doesn't want to be touched, don't make it personal. It means that at that moment he is unable to handle physical contact.
Deal With a Depressed Person Step 12 Step 8. Take off her uncomfortable clothes if she agrees
It happens that some autistic people get nervous more easily and prefer someone to touch and undress them. Scarf, sweater, buttons, and laces can make their discomfort worse. Ask for permission first, as movements to remove clothes may increase sensory overload.
Cope with Sleep Paralysis Step 3 Step 9. If you can, take her or accompany her to a quiet place
If this is not possible, encourage other people in the room to leave. Explain that sudden noises and movements make it difficult for the autistic person and that they will later be happy to be with them.
Treat Paranoid Personality Disorder Step 1 Step 10. If the situation gets worse, ask for help
Parents, teachers, and carers for the autistic person will be able to tell you how you can help them. They will explain their particular needs in detail.
Advice
- Even if she doesn't speak, you can communicate with her. Reassure her and address with soft tones. This attitude will help her calm down.
- Keep calm. If you don't fidget, you're more likely to calm down.
- Verbal reassurances are helpful. However, if they're not very helpful, stop talking and stay still.
- Avoid giving orders, because his discomfort is often caused by an overload of stimuli. This is why a quiet room (if available) can be effective.
- After she has had a breakdown or a nervous breakdown, stay next to her. Watch her, as she may feel tired and / or upset. Go away if she asks and if she is old enough to be alone.
- Check how you are dressed before attempting to approach her to reassure her. Some autistic people hate the feel of certain fabrics, such as cotton, flannel or wool. They can make their discomfort worse. If it stiffens or pushes you away, walk away.
- Don't be scared if she has a nervous breakdown. Treat her like any other upset person.
- If it's a baby, try carrying it on your shoulders or in your arms. He may relax and avoid inadvertently putting himself in a dangerous situation.
Warnings
- Never leave her alone unless she is in a safe and familiar environment.
- Don't scold her for having a nervous breakdown. Although he is aware that nervous breakdowns are not acceptable in public, the breakdown often occurs when he has built up a lot of stress and cannot manage it.
- Breakdowns and nervous breakdowns never serve to attract attention. Don't think of them as mere outbursts. They are extremely difficult to control and often give way to embarrassment or remorse.
- Don't hit her.
- Never scold her. Remember that she has autism, so these behaviors are the only way she can express her discomfort.
