How to Reduce Tantrums in Children With Autism

Many children with autism have more tantrums than their peers. This happens for many reasons. Sometimes it is because the child lacks structure to their day, has sensory issues, lacks communication or has difficulty with transitions. Address the reasons your child has tantrums to help reduce their frequency.

Things You'll Need

• visual schedule
• communication system
• "First,Then" card

Instructions

1. Make your child a visual schedule. Visual schedules provide structure to your child's day, through the use of visual supports. Whether the schedule consists of objects, pictures or printed words, it provides the child with a visual road map of his day. When your child knows what to expect next, it alleviates anxiety which reduces his potential for tantrums. Find examples of visual schedules for children with autism at Special Education Technology.

2. Get your child on a communication system. Sometimes tantrums occur because your child lacks the communication to adequately express herself. This is especially important if your child is non-verbal or only slightly verbal. Communication systems, like visual schedules, consist of objects, pictures or words. Sometimes a system as simple as a basic choice board really helps to reduce tantrums. See examples of communication systems for children with autism at Polyxo.

3. Address your child's sensory issues. Many children with autism have issues with sensory integration. This means your child is constantly bombarded with sensory information and lacks the ability to filter out the unimportant things. Loud noises, bright lights and large crowds are enough to cause a tantrum. Sensory integration therapy and occupational therapy help address the issue. However, these therapies are most effective if you start them while your child is really young. Learn more about sensory integration therapy at Healing Thresholds.

4. Use transition tools. Some children wit autism have great difficulty with transitions. This means asking your child to switch from one activity to the next can cause a tantrum. Something as simple as a two columned "First, Then," card will alleviate anxiety. Divide a half sheet of paper in half by drawing a line down the middle. Label the first column, "First," and label the second column "Then." Place a picture card of the activity you child will do first in the "First," column and a picture card of the activity your child will do next in the "Then," column. When you transition your child to an activity, show them the card. Say, "First, we'll do homework, then we'll play outside." Point to each picture as you speak. See an example of a "First, Then" card at Special Ed.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent with any intervention that you choose to use with your child. Most of the above strategies do not stop tantrums immediately. However, with consistent use, over time you will notice a gradual decrease in tantrums.

Resources

• Find examples of visual schedules
• See examples of communication systems
• Learn more about sensory integration therapy
• See an example of a "First,Then" card