Avoid Autism Meltdowns (3 Proven Ways YOU NEED TO SEE)

Autism meltdowns are very disabling to a person, but here are 3 ways you can help avoid them instantly.

Like most autistic people, I have had all kinds of meltdowns from monthly to daily and these can range from just a slip in routine or an on going sleep issue.

But it doesn't always have to end in a meltdown, there are ways in which we can help prevent an autism meltdown occurring or at least lower the frequency in which they occur.

I have listed out 3 ways in which I make sure I try to avoid meltdowns happening at all costs.

1. The Backup Plan
I create 2 back up plans for any event or activity I am about to do, the B, and C plan. This means that if plan A fails all is not lost and I can focus on B, however if B also fails I can focus on C. There is never a time where more than 3 plans fail at once so its a solid tip!

2. Breathing
I use the Buddhist breathing technique that is a breathe in for 5 seconds hold it for 5 seconds and breathe out for 5 seconds. Doing this 5 times instantly calms your body down.

3. Brillia
Brillia is a non habit forming, safe to use over the counter medication that is designed specifically for ADHD and autism. It helps reduce anxiety and stress.

4. BONUS TIP: Situation Removal.
If you are feeling uneasy and you feel you are getting close to a meltdown, instantly remove yourself from the situation and environment you are currently in. This will

If you have any tips please share them :).

HSASH TAGS:
#autismmeltdown #meltdown #autistic

LINKS:

[HannahRainbow]

1. Backup Plan
2. Box breathing
3. Brillia (ad)
4. Escape plan

[omgisithotinhere]

Yesterday I identified that I had a meltdown and was looking online for literature/explanation with adult females so I could use logic to balance out the emotion, and then I get a notification for your video! What a coincidence!

[katedavy]

Love the breathing tip and back up plans. Experienceing this one today...
My great gran (favorite person in the world for the young me) taught me circular thinking. It meant to me a bunch of different possibilities. The circle is about focusing on all directions I can choose at any time. So, if this does not work out for me, I move on to the next, or the next ...
My great gran was lost to me when I was 7 years old. But not before she taught me circular thinking for every event.
She gave me the greatest tool! Now I use it like an over-lay to make the most of each situation. I no longer have to react. I can instantly maximize my options.
I am now 72 years old and it has been my 'go-to' for a very long time. I have also tried to teach my children and grandies as well as great grandies.

[twilighterification]

Still being roughly 4 months away from my assessment, despite the fact I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum, these kinds of things are super helpful!

[askthefrog]

I have great difficulties with removing myself from the situation. It's fine if I'm in a store or w/e, then I'm able to leave or even avoid going in in the first place. But when I'm doing something, like a task or a project, it's like I can't stop doing it even though a meltdown is coming on. It's like I have to finish the task or resolve the problem or w/e it is that I'm doing. Sometimes I put myself in those situations in the first place, even though I know there's a risk stuff will go sideways or in some way cause a meltdown. Like this evening, I wanted to fix a pillow I've made and I wanted to do it sitting on the couch, even though the pillow contains styrofoam beads (I don't know if that's really what they're called, but you know those beanbag beads) and I fricken KNEW I wouldn't be able to not spill any. But I convinced myself that if I were really careful everything would be fine. Well, sh*t didn't end up fine so I wasn't fine. Luckily it was a mild meltdown but it still got followed up with the self loathing and shame. I'm going to really try your tips, Dan, and also work harder to not sabotage myself. I'm fine now and I hope that anyone reading this also is fine. ❤❤

[NoxAtlas]

What helps me to to prevent meltdowns are physical and mental exercises. I go to the gym before work so I don't have too much energy to stress out and I'm feeling more calm and relaxed. I regularly analyze my environment to spot any risks that could cause a meltdown and try to figure out countermeasures and backup plans.
When my stress level reaches a certain point, I start breathing exercises, listen to my favorite music and either distract myself or try to analyze the situation and ask myself if it's really as bad as it feels like. Self-reflection does help a lot here!
If it still doesn't get any better, I talk to someone who's willing to listen to my problems and I vent my frustration verbally. After that, I always feel much better.

I still get meltdowns at least once or twice a year. It's usually because so much happens within a short time span that I can't catch up with it.

[gigahorse]

For me I don’t have meltdowns over change or sensory overload, but rather stressful situations like taking a test. It’s tough because I can’t exactly remove myself from the test. My best tactic at this point is to use accommodations and not take classes or do jobs that will be too hard and stress me out.

[shabbahey]

Great helpful hints, thankyou! The breathing thing is so funny isn't it? Everyone knows they have to breathe, but so many forget how to do it properly.. including myself! Cheers Dan

[soniczforever]

I'm melting down as I'm banned from all activity as I'm anorexic. I'm very depressed i have said I will eat extra calories and still won't compromised. Got yelled at over 500 steps and the shop was further away than I thought. It was mortifying enough the situation. Im 5 stone and quite sick. I had to go to kids boutique to get dress. Staff cancelled my trip to the restaurant for dessert and another staff said I shouldn't even swing on the swing as that burns calories. Everything burns calories. I faked my weigh in as I could not actually gain weight due to the stress. I can only gain a bit at a time. I gained a little though. So sad rn. I dont want to move or do anything more and I will just get smaller anyway. I like to sew and that burns calories getting very very sad

[michellelester]

5-5-5 is fantastic and how I will now take the 10 deep breaths I currently use when I feel overwhelmed. Thank you!!!

[sunriseatlantis]

I like the 5-5-5 method. Thanks for another tool in my toolbox of coping skills.

[poorboybmx]

🤯 how Now that has really set me off, robbing pharmaceutical companies taking advantage.
Great work buddy, very useful tips👍

[sueannevangalen]

Any tips on how to avoid angry outbursts that are triggered by things people say? My mother said something uncharitable to me the other day and I went from zero to meltdown in two seconds flat.

[matusjurcik]

Brillia is a SSRI the same thing as Elicea. It is hightening up serotonine in the system

[melanieingham]

Can you do a video on how to help siblings play together nicely together? my son has adhd and autism and can only play his way. which was good when my daughter was little as she followed him but now she has her own ideas. Just a thought thanks love your content

[jrr]

Questions for Dan (and any other autistic people who have answers) :
Do all autistic people have meltdowns? Can it look like just shutting down like instead of looking very upset, they just don't react or answer questions at all?
I am trying to understand what a person close to me is struggling with and their social+emotional issues point towards asd /Asperger's. But a lot of the "classic" signs like obvious stimmig, meltdowns or incessantly talking about Special interest aren't really there as far as I can see. 🤔

[amberallen]

Brillia does help but our problem was it would wear off half way at school and school would not approve him to take it because there's no prescription. Plus after your 1st try then it's $60. That's pretty high compared to prescription my insurance covers.

[justinmurray]

I have autism, and I have found cannabis to help with my meltdowns.