Managing Meltdowns

Using the S.C.A.R.E.D. Calming Technique with Children and Adults with Autism

Deborah Lipsky and Will Richards

Paperback: £9.99 / $14.95

2009, 216mm x 138mm / 8.5in x 5.5in, 80pp
ISBN: 978-1-84310-908-2, BIC 2: JM

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In a chaotic or threatening situation, fear is the primary emotional response of an autistic individual. Often the initial physical response is to freeze. 'Meltdowns', or brain overloads can be scary for the individual with autism, and for the person trying to help if they don't know how to react in this situation. Common coping strategies, such as hand flapping or leg shaking, can be misperceived as being wilful, noncompliant, and uncooperative; and some techniques commonly recommended during times of distress or crisis, such as maintaining eye contact or using light touch, can be counter-productive rather than providing relief.

Using the easy-to-remember acronym S.C.A.R.E.D, coined by clinical psychologist Will Richards, this guide offers strategies and practical techniques that will be a valuable reference tool to anyone in a first response position. The authors have created a training programme to explain the autistic experience and mindset, and guide the interventions of first responders to autistic individuals in crisis.

By the same authors

Author information

• Deborah Lipsky
• Will Richards

Subject areas

• Asperger Syndrome, Autism and other Syndromes

Collections

• Key Titles on Autism and Related Conditions for SENCOS

Keywords

• adults,
• anger management,
• challenging behaviour,
• children,
• communication,
• inclusive classroom,
• mental health,
• occupational therapy,
• parenting,
• special education,
• speech and language therapy

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