If your child suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, expect him to experience both minor and major meltdowns over incidents that are part of daily life. He may have a major meltdown over a very small incident, or may experience a minor meltdown over something that is major. There is no way of telling how he is going to react about certain situations. However, there are some ways to help your child learn to control his emotions.
Talk to Your Child
Asperger’s sufferers don’t really have the knowledge to decipher when their actions are inappropriate. When your child is calm and relaxed, talk to him about his meltdowns if he is of an age where he can reason and learn to work with you. This will probably not be until the child is seven or eight years old. Then, tell him that sometimes he does things that are not appropriate. Have him talk to you about a sign you can give him to let him known when this happens. When my grandson begins to experience a meltdown, he and I have agreed that I can let him know by laying my hand on his shoulder and saying, “Please stay calm.” This works fantastically for me, but doesn’t work for his mother. I have explained this to some of his teachers and while it’s worked for some, it hasn’t worked for others. So, you have to learn by trail and error.
Be Patient
All you can do is be patient with your child while he is having a meltdown, though they are emotionally exhausting for you as well as he. Never punish him for experiencing a meltdown. Overwhelming emotions are part of the Asperger’s traits, but if you work with your child, he will eventually learn to control them somewhat.
Tips
Asperger’s children don’t like surprises and some don’t like to be touched. Never rush to your Asperger’s child and give him a hug. If you want to hug him, tell him exactly what you are going to do. A surprise hug can send him into an even worse meltdown than he is already experiencing.
My grandson doesn’t like to be hugged when he is having a meltdown. However, when it is just beginning if I say, “I think you’ve had a bad day and you need a hug,” he will accept that. Try it with your child. If he says, “no,” let it pass or you will have an even bigger problem on your hands.