A tough day with the autistic child at the preschool.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238388)
Walnut Creek, California
January 13, 2021 4:43pm CST
Our four-year-old autistic girl was in meltdown mode for most of the morning at my friend's preschool. She was screaming and crying, even as the other children played happily away.
I just read an article suggesting that autistic meltdowns are due to over-stimulation, while tantrums are due to frustration. I am at odds with my boss about how to deal with the child's meltdowns She tends to restrain her or lecture her, which I think is the opposite of what she needs.
I tend to be very calm around littlies and the child also calmed down when she climbed into my lap today and I imitated her vocalizations (she's preverbal but makes vocalizations that sound almost like song) while humming with my deep voice.
I may try that again next time I see her. In my dreams, I'll get famous for inventing a new kind of "music therapy" for autistic kids.
27 people like this
27 responses
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
13 Jan 21
Talking to an autistic child is like speaking to the wall. Human reasoning doesn't work. Stimulation, through music works like a charm! Apparently this woman you work for isn't enlightened in dealing with autistic children! Also, hand games and simple puzzles stimulate their mind.
6 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
13 Jan 21
@TheHorse Music is like a magic wand! It stimulates their brain and calms them down. I worked with these children(as a teacher's assistant). That woman doesn't know she's making a big mistake:(
3 people like this
@kaylachan (84928)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Jan 21
I think you're right, because autistic children experience both. At least you could calm her down.
5 people like this
@TheHorse (238388)
• Walnut Creek, California
14 Jan 21
@kaylachan I read up on it this afternoon. It appears that there's still some debate about music therapy for autistic kids.
2 people like this
.
. That boss who restrains/lectures seems to be in the wrong field.
@wolfgirl569 (136063)
• Marion, Ohio
14 Jan 21
Glad she calmed down for you. Maybe when the boss sees it working she will try it.
3 people like this
@sallypup (69252)
• Centralia, Washington
13 Jan 21
I'm glad that girl has you in her world. There is no distraction for the child? Lecturing a kid won't reach, only push away. Something is not getting into her little bubble. What brings the girl joy? Why is playing in an acceptable way better than having a melt down?
3 people like this
@sallypup (69252)
• Centralia, Washington
14 Jan 21
@TheHorse Try different pitches and different instruments. I can't whistle. Every once in a long while someone will making a whistling sound on the radio and the dogs will perk up and look toward the radio. If I could whistle I think there would be another avenue of speech with them. Right now I use a combination of body language and sounds and human language.
3 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (68246)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
14 Jan 21
I remember those days. Working with autistic children and the over stimulation and meltdowns and fighting and biting and all of it.
Were working with the autism center a county over to help them get better doors and rooms for their needs. Started it last week.
3 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (68246)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
14 Jan 21
@TheHorse i don't know how one on one you are working with her or her parents? But there are apps for tablets etc that have helped me in the past, especially with non verbal. Just because they can't vocalize doesn't mean they can't express themselves. I don't know if she's old enough, but I had one kid that could show me what he wanted via pictures on a tablet or in a book.
Staying calm is always number one though. But I think that's with every kid. Its just more important in cases like this.
I'll message you later and we can talk more I'm off to work now n
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51839)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
14 Jan 21
Seems to be working with her. If it works with others, you could write a paper about it and get famous. Keep up the good work.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238388)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 Jan 21
Thank you. I've written many "scholarly" papers over the years, and the only people who read them are other researchers, trying to get their own stuff published and advance their own careers. That's a bit part of why I'm writing a book that (I hope) can be understood by everyone, not just other researchers.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
13 Jan 21
Horse, you're in the right place at the right time for that sweet baby.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (222896)
• United States
14 Jan 21
I think you have the answer for calming her down. You are so good with children.
2 people like this
