Tip sheet for recognising the early signs and triggers of a meltdown for an autistic child in the classroom
Posted Date : on Oct 19, 2021
Signs of anxiety
- Restless and agitated behaviour
- Unable to easily calm down
- Needing reassurance regarding the sequence of events and expectations
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Speech fluency is affected by hesitations, repetitions, stuttering and mutism
- Not wanting to be separated from a parent
- “Freezing” when uncertain what to do
- Conversation topic changing to a monologue on a special interest
- Ritualistic calming movements such as flapping and rocking
- Becoming a ‘class policeman’ to reduce chaos and uncertainty
- Needing to withdraw from the classroom by frequently going to the toilet
- Being ‘jumpy’ in response to sensory experiences associated with anxiety
Triggers for anxiety
- The possibility of making a mistake and schoolwork not being perfect
- Too much noise, movement and chaos in the classroom
- A change in routine or expectation
- Transitioning to a new activity
- A new social situation without a ‘social script’ of what to do and say
- Too many demands, choices and questions
- Specific auditory, tactile and visual experiences
- Someone breaking the social or class rules
- Having to wait or hurry up
- The vulnerability to being bullied, teased, rejected or humiliated by peers
- Observing an argument or conflict in class
- The teacher being anxious or agitated
- Having to socialize or work with a student you do not know
- Being asked to explain your thinking and feelings
- Not being able to complete an activity
- Experiencing or observing social injustice and an event perceived as ‘not fair’
- Being considered as stupid