Impact Of Meltdowns On Child's Development

 The impact of meltdowns on children can be profound, affecting not only the child but also his/ her family. A meltdown is an intense emotional response to overwhelming situations, often resulting in behaviours, such as screaming, crying, or physical aggressions. Understanding the causes, characteristics, impact, and mitigation strategies for meltdowns is crucial for supporting children through these challenging moments. Meltdowns can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sensory overload, frustration, anxiety, or changes in routines. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), meltdowns may be more frequent due to difficulties in processing sensory information or managing emotions. However, meltdowns can occur in any child, especially during periods of stress or when they feel overwhelmed. The characteristics of a meltdown can vary widely from child to child. Some may exhibit explosive behaviours, such as yelling, objects throwing, while others may become withdrawn or non-responsive. Recognizing the signs of an impending meltdown is essential for parents and caregivers to prevent it. These signs may include increased agitation, changes in body language, or specific behaviours that signal distress. Other signs of impending meltdown are clenching of fists by children, fast breathing, being extra rigid, sudden irritability over minor issues, covering of ears, closing the eyes, and eye contact with another person.

To mitigate meltdowns, it is vital to create a supportive environment that acknowledges the child's emotional needs. Strategies can include establishing consistent routines, providing sensory-friendly spaces, and teaching emotional regulation techniques. For example, deep breathing exercises or visual schedules can help children manage anxiety and feel more secure. In Japan, some schools have implemented "calming rooms" designed to provide a safe space for children to decompress during overwhelming situations. Similarly, in the United States, therapists often use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) develop coping lmechanisms for managing meltdowns.

The following are the suggested methods to mitigate meltdowns:

1. Stay calm:

Remain calm and composed to deescalate the situation. Do not panic in the presence of the child. Make the child feel he/ she is safe. If you maintain a calm and peaceful posture, the child will begin to feel better. Parents and caregivers cannot punish a nervous system into regulation. They can be calm, waiting for the boisterous storm of meltdown to stop. If the child is aggressive, hitting, kicking, and throwing things against anybody, they should not speak any word of anger to the child because he/ she is not responsible for it. They can block the hits but should not react at all. They can also remove objects from the room to avoid hurting themselves or the child. The child can also be taken to another quieter place where there is ventilation. Help regulate the child's emotion. Speak soft words only, or do not speak at all. Hug the child. Try to get a toy, or stuffed animal, or any gift item for the child. 

2. Identify triggers:

Identify the triggers of the meltdown and try to avoid them. Austistic children do not like sharp lights when they are sleeping. You may need to dim the light for the austistic child. They also hate noises. Parents and caregivers should adjust the environment to meet autistic child's sensory needs. Parents and caregivers must not cry in the presence of a child under meltdown. They should feign as if they are not troubled at all. If they cry or show that they are troubled, the child's condition might deteriorate. The child might believe that he/ she cannot survive it. 

 3. Offer choices: 

Provide choices to give children a sense of control and reduce frustrations. 

4. Teach emotional regulation:

Teach them deep breathing, counting from 1 to 10, or drawing to manage emotions.

5. Use visual aids:

Use virtual schedules, charts, or pictures to help children understand and prepare for changes or transitions. 

6. Use positive language:

Children under meltdown hate shouting, angry words, and crying parents. Use gentle words when speaking to them. Tell the affected child, "Don't worry. You're safe. I'm here for you." These are the positive words you are required to use when talking to an autistic child. If you shout, beat, or insult the child, the unexpected may just happen. 

7. Validate feelings:

Acknowledge and validate the child's feelings to help the child feel heard, loved, and understood. 

8. Provide sensory supports:

Offer sensory-friendly activities or tools, like fidget toys, weighted blankets, to help regulate sensory input.

9. Stay patient and consistent:

Consistently apply strategies and remain patient to help autistic child develop emotional regulation skills and reduce meltdowns.  

 In conclusion, understanding and addressing meltdowns in children requires patience, empathy, and effective strategies. By recognizing the causes and characteristics of meltdowns and implementing supportive measures, parents and caregivers can help children navigate these challenging moments and foster their emotional well-being. With the right support, children can learn to manage their emotions and thrive in their environments. Therefore, we need to understand that a meltdown is not a bad behaviour. It is an overloaded sensory system in which the brain is flooded and the affected child's body is in flight mode. When an android smart phone is slow, the user resorts to the flight mode button to quicken it. That is how the brain of a child in meltdown is in a flight mode. The child does not need to be beaten or abused during meltdowns. He is not responsible for it. A meltdown does not even stop after giving the affected child any good treat. A storm does not stop exactly when we want it. We can only wait for it to stop. 

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