As parents of children with autism and ADHD, we know that meltdowns are not tantrums. Meltdowns are emotional, physical and involuntary. Most of the time, they are triggered by sensory overwhelm. You don’t know when your child will have one, so it’s important to be prepared. Having an autism meltdown kit on hand can help you and your child when one occurs.
What is an autism meltdown kit?
An autism meltdown kit is a collection of items you can use to help calm your child when they have meltdown. It does not need to be elaborate, and you know what your child needs to prevent or manage a meltdown. It could be as simple as putting a few small items in your purse or more elaborate if you create a full kit in a backpack.
For my son J, I had more of minimal approach when we were out and about, running errands and going to places for a short period of time. I had a few items in my purse, and I always made sure he had his water bottle and snack(s) with him in the car. However, if we were visiting family or friends for a longer period of time during the day, I would take more items in a small bag. Having those with me really helped when a meltdown hit.
Why should I have one for my child with autism?
I know that as a parent I have felt completely useless and helpless when my son has had a meltdown, especially in those early years. Having some items in an autism meltdown kit on hand can help you help your child through it. It’s also important for you to stay calm yourself. so you can better assist your child. Those items can be a huge help at such an emotional time.
It’s also good to have a kit on hand because it allows someone else to help you. If someone offers to help, you can ask them to grab a certain item from the bag for you. It seems like a small gesture, but it can be a tremendous benefit right when you need it.
What should I put in a meltdown kit?
needs to manage their sensory issues, since that is what usually causes meltdowns. You may need only a few items for your child while others may need much more.
One thing I found that helps is to make sure you always have a water bottle and/or juice box on hand as well as a favorite snack or two. It’s amazing how many times thirst and hunger can be at the root cause of a meltdown. None of us like to feel dehydrated or hungry. My youngest tends to get “hangry” when he hasn’t had much to eat, and that has triggered many meltdowns.
Another helpful tip is to keep a change of clothes for your child in the car. You never know when a potty accident, food spill, romp on a muddy playground, or other incident will occur that could soil your child’s clothes. Being able to change them into clean clothes and shoes can go a long way in preventing a meltdown.
What are some good items to consider for your autism meltdown kit? (Affiliate links are included below.)
- Stress balls (affiliate link) can help your child with fidgeting and give their hands something to work on to calm themselves.
- A weighted vest or lap pad (affiliate links) can provide needed pressure if your child needs that to calm down.
- Noise-cancelling headphones (affiliate link) and/or ear plugs can help reduce noise if it is loud or a tone they don’t like.
- Sunglasses can help shield your child’s eyes from bright lights and reduce the intensity.
- Chewy necklaces (affiliate link) can help calm your child if they need to mouth something to reduce their anxiety and stress.
- Fidget toys (affiliate link) can help your child do something with their hands to calm themselves.
- A whistle or harmonica (affiliate links) can surprisingly be helpful. Why? It helps your child regulate their breathing by taking big breathes and blowing out.
- An activity bag with coloring pages, crayons, small toys and other items for long waits or events like a church service, athletic game or school play where they must be quiet and/or occupied.
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap to help with bright lights or waves coming off of fluorescent lights that may bother your child.
- Favorite music loaded onto your phone so that you can play it to calm them.
- A stuffed toy they can cuddle with to soothe themselves.
Do you have an autism meltdown kit for your child? What other suggestions do you have for a kit that other parents may find helpful? Leave a comment so that we can share and encourage one another!
