This is a must-have resource! Poor emotion regulation has a very real impact on both the individual and those who provide support. The authors present a helpful review of factors that underlie difficult moments and provide real solutions to address them. Parents, teachers, psychologists, behavior specialists, and other professionals who work with individuals with ASD will appreciate this book. --Barry G. Grossman, PhD; Ziggurat Group, author of THE ZIGGURAT MODEL
Dr. Myles and Dr. Aspy did a great job covering the many components of a meltdown. As a young adult with autism who has experienced meltdowns, I loved this book! It truly captured what I wish people knew about meltdowns. Best of all, it does so in a way that supportive, respectful and takes the perspectives of both the individual with ASD and the person supporting them into account. This book is one of my favorites! It helps others understand that individuals with autism do not have these meltdown-type behaviors on purpose, they have them because of how their brain works. I think that this book is one that is much needed, and will truly teach others. This book is a must-read for parents and professionals alike! I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. --Chloe Rothschild, self-advocate, writer and presenter, young adult with autism
Brenda Smith Myles and Ruth Aspy's collective wisdom in the field of autism is remarkable. By joining forces in this latest endeavor, they combine practicality and useful information for not only educators and therapists, but also parents who, despite their best efforts, can struggle to understand and find meaningful ways to be supportive. Thank you, Brenda and Ruth - your contributions are important and immense! --Jackie Moen, Executive Director of Common Threads, McFarland, WI
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Rumbling Stage
The first stage in the cycle is the Rumbling Stage.
“Behaviors” of the Individual
During the Rumbling Stage, individuals with HF-ASD exhibit specific behavioral changes that may not appear to be directly related to a meltdown. They may bite their nails or lips, lower their voices, tense their muscles, tap their foot, grimace, or otherwise indicate general discontent. In addition, they may appear to be slightly off-task, disengaged, or “off the mark.” They may complain of not feeling well. It is easy for others to ignore these seemingly minor behaviors; yet, they often signal an impending crisis.
In other instances, individuals with HF-ASD engage in behaviors that are more pronounced, including withdrawing from others, either emotionally or physically; threatening others, either verbally or physically; or questioning the rules or authority.
Support Person Behaviors
As illustrated in Figure 2.1, as the behavior of the individual with HF-ASD escalates, the support person’s behavior usually follows.
Thus, those in a support role must realize that they may be experiencing their own rumbling behaviors along with the individual with HF-ASD. Regardless of the specific intervention selected, certain general approaches are helpful when seeking to help the person who is rumbling.
