People on the spectrum can get overwhelmed by sensory input.When this happens, they need someone to escort them to a quiet place so they can calm down.There are a few ways you can help a person on the spectrum.
Step 1: You should take a moment to relax.
If you can keep a calm demeanor, you will help the person on the other side of the spectrum.You should keep a patient and understanding attitude.If you were at your wits' end, you would want other people to show you kindness.If a person is upset, never shout at, scold, or punish them.Being unkind will only make this worse.It's better to leave if you can't control yourself.
Step 2: If the person is able to speak ask what is wrong.
They may need quiet time if they are overwhelmed.They might be experiencing difficult emotions related to something in their life, like a bad grade at school or an argument with a friend.People who are normally verbal may lose their ability to speak during sensory overload.This will pass with relaxation time due to severe overstimulation.If a person has lost their ability to speak, they should only answer yes/no questions with their thumbs up/thumbs down.
Step 3: Go to a quiet place.
Encourage people to leave the room if you can't.Explain to the person that the noise and movement is hard for them, and that they would be happy to hang out again later.
Step 4: Do they want you to stay?
If the person wants you there, you can help them calm down.They might want to be alone for a while.Don't take it personally.Let them answer with a thumbs up or thumbs down if they can't speak.Do you want me to stay or leave?Let them point to where they want you to be by pointing at the ground and door.If a small child wants to be left alone, you can play on your phone or read a book and still have an adult present.
Step 5: Help them do difficult tasks.
They may be unable to think clearly when they're distressed, and they may have trouble doing simple tasks like taking off an uncomfortable sweater or getting a drink of water.Help them out, but not at the expense of their personal space.Offer to help them remove uncomfortable clothing if they're tugging at it.This can be startling and upsetting if you try to remove clothes without permission.Get a cup for them if they want to drink from the sink.
Step 6: If they are flailing or throwing things, make them safe.
Breakable objects should be moved out of their way.If it's safe, put their head on your lap or under a pillow.It is possible that the throwing motion calms them down.Give them something that can be thrown safely.They can throw it again if they retrieve it.This can calm them.You should not get close to them if you don't feel safe.Allow them to continue until they calm down.
Step 7: If you don't know what to do, then get help.
People who know how to help are parents, teachers, and caregivers.They might be able to give specific insight about the needs of the person on the spectrum.Police aren't usually trained to help with autistic meltdowns, so they may hurt your loved one or make the situation worse.Get someone who the person trusts.
Step 8: Sensory input should be reduced to help a person with an intellectual disability.
People on the spectrum have problems with sensory input; they hear, feel, and see things more intensely than other people.It looks like the volume has been turned up.Unless the person has told you that they want the device on, turn it off.The lights should be dimmer.If they want, they can hide in small places.If they want to hide in a closet or a cupboard with their phone, let them.Make sure they are able to get out on their own.
Step 9: Touch them if they are okay with it.
Rub their shoulders and show affection.Firm touch is more reassuring than light touch.It could calm them down.If they say or show they don't want to be touched, do not take it personally; they simply cannot handle touch at the moment.Spread your arms and see if they come to you.If you hug them, let them go.Maybe they aren't able to handle the sensory input of hugging right now, or maybe your clothes have a texture that's uncomfortable to them.
Step 10: Try massaging a person who wants to be touched.
There are many people who have benefited from massage therapy.Help them into a comfortable position by gently squeezing their temples, massaging their shoulders, or rubbing their backs.It's important to keep your movements gentle.You can be directed to areas that they want you to touch, such as by pointing at their shoulders or squeezing their face.
Step 11: Let them take as much as they need.
Stimming is a calming method for people on the spectrum.Hand flapping, finger flicking, and rocking are examples of stimming.During emotional distress, stimulation is a crucial self-calming mechanism.If they're hurting themselves, you can tell them to hit couch cushions instead of their head.No matter what they are doing, don't restrain them.When a person is in fight-or-flight mode, grabbing and holding them against their will is dangerous.Both of you could get hurt when the person tries to break free.
Step 12: Apply gentle pressure to their body.
Cross your arms over the person's chest if they are sitting up.Rest your cheek on their head.Ask them if they want you to squeeze less or more tightly.It should help them relax and feel better.
Step 13: If they want you to lead them in a relaxation exercise, you should ask.
If the cause of distress seems to be emotional, then a relaxation exercise may help them calm down and talk about it.If they say yes to a relaxation exercise, you can help them by giving them a list of things they can see, touch, hear, and smell.It's time to count off on your fingers.Hold it for a count of 4 and then breathe out and rest, repeat.
Step 14: Listen to what I'm saying.
People need to vent and be listened to.If they want to discuss what's bothering them, let them do it."If you'd like to talk about it, I'm here to listen."Take your time.I'm not leaving.I'm sorry to hear that happened to you.That sounds difficult.You're upset.You're in a tough situation.It's understandable to be stressed about that.
Step 15: Allow them to cry.
Sometimes people need to let out their emotions and have a good cry.Say "It's okay to cry" or "Cry all you need to."I'm here.
Step 16: Provide comfort as necessary.
You can bring a comfort item, offer to play their favorite music, or do whatever you can to make the person feel better.Depending on the situation, what's most calming can be different.Don't take it personally if they decline a hug in favor of listening to their favorite music and rocking back and forth.They know what they need.