How to handle sensory-related tantrums? - Page 2

[MommyKelly]

I have 4 kids with ASD all with sensory stuff, and my Dh has aspergers and SPD.

I never talk stern, it makes it worse at my house. When the older 2 ( 9 and 10) are having a meltdown about something I cant fix, I tell them very calmly, " If you are going to scream and have a fit, please go do it on your bed." I never "feed into" a meltdown, but I know they are experiencing a very real issue for themsleves, so I do try to validate it, but gentley remind them that screaming, crying, etc is only allowed in their room.

The younger 2 (3 and 4) I will get out a weighted blanket for the 4 yo, and do brushing on the 3 yo. We have also had great success jumping on the trampoline, bouncing on a yoga ball, joint compresion, deep pressure, and bear hugs.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by SpottedFoxx

And see for my son, he can usually deal. I think the noise, the lights coupled with the fact that he was tired was just too much. .

did he have more melt downs later?

"can usually deal" sounds bad to me.

I don't want my DD to "deal with it." If we are doing something that is supposed to be fun, I want it to be fun for HER.

Taking her to a bowling alley would be mean, even though, at her age and self control, she most likely wouldn't have a melt down. She'd be freaked out later, unable to sleep, a mess about leaving the house, etc. But she could "deal" with it if she really had to.

[SpottedFoxx]

No Linda. He was fine. Loud noises normally don't bother him. We go regularly to a place called BounceU which has loud music blaring. It doesn't phase him at all. However, it was a new place, new noises (the sound of the bowling on top of the music) lots of activity he wasn't familiar with. While some of the meltdown was sensory related - I also think another part was just being an overwhelmed 4.5 year old.

He was able to settle down and enjoy the experience. I'd never force him to remain somewhere that was causing an issue for him.

We have identified some areas that set him off and we no longer participate in those activities unless we are able to modify the experience for him (which we sometimes can).

[TzippityDoulah]

Originally Posted by SpottedFoxx

Please be careful with homeopathic remedies. They are not safe for all children. Please consult a physician before trying them.

I'm not sure if this was geared towards me or someone else... but just to clarify "natural calm" isn't homeopathic. Generally how homeopathics are safe b/c they only work if it's what the body needs. if it isn't it won work. that's the idea behind homeopathics. The reason one goes to a homeopath is to better understand which remedy would be best, not b/c of their inherent danger. They can cause worsening of symptoms in some people that pick the "wrong" remedy, but they wear off. the idea is to encourage your body to heal itself, the remedy doesn't do the healing at all.

that said one should ask someone before just pouncing into homeopathics (or any other type of remedy/alternative med). just b/c it's natural doesn't mean it has no chance of having a side effect. The great thing about homeopathics is b/c of their nature it's (nearly) impossible to overdose to a dangerous extent. they are incredibly mild and like I said only encourage the body to heal itself, they don't do the healing.

[SpottedFoxx]

Originally Posted by HennyPenny

I'm not sure if this was geared towards me or someone else... but just to clarify "natural calm" isn't homeopathic. Generally how homeopathics are safe b/c they only work if it's what the body needs. if it isn't it won work. that's the idea behind homeopathics. The reason one goes to a homeopath is to better understand which remedy would be best, not b/c of their inherent danger. They can cause worsening of symptoms in some people that pick the "wrong" remedy, but they wear off. the idea is to encourage your body to heal itself, the remedy doesn't do the healing at all.

that said one should ask someone before just pouncing into homeopathics (or any other type of remedy/alternative med). just b/c it's natural doesn't mean it has no chance of having a side effect. The great thing about homeopathics is b/c of their nature it's (nearly) impossible to overdose to a dangerous extent. they are incredibly mild and like I said only encourage the body to heal itself, they don't do the healing.

Laura, I respectfully disagree that homeopathics are generally safe. It was recommended that I try a homeopathic remedy for my son's teething pain. One of the active ingredients is bella donna. Now, for the average child, this is not a big deal - it aids in sleep. However, my son was taking phenobarbital and had I given it to him, there was a good possibility the combination of the bella donna and pheno would have compromised his ability to breath.

Never give a child a new medication (homeopathic, herbal or otherwise) without checking with a physician. To suggest that it's safe for everyone is irresponsible and just plain dangerous. We have no idea what people reading this thread have their children on and what could conflict. Only a doctor or, at the very least, a pharmacist would be able to advise them accordingly.