Nonverbal Reasoning and Meltdowns
Differences in interpretation of the world can contribute to frustration and emotional outbursts.
Differences in interpretation of the world can contribute to frustration and emotional outbursts.
Familiarity and predictability can assist with approaching novel situations. Identify triggers prior to a situation. | Example: Playground can be a difficult area |
Prepare the child in advance | Example: Give reminders that peers may want to play different things and give options for what the child can do:
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Incorporate positive familiar aspects (e.g. pair with a friend or preferred adult going into a difficult situation, bring a favorite stuffed animal) | Examples:
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Understand that the child may interpret information in a very literal manner, and so can become upset when situations do not go according to his/her specific expectations. Clarify possibilities to extend the child’s parameter of expectations | Example: We will plan to go to the store after school, but we may need to do a couple of other errands first. |
Include various details rather than taking for granted that the child will extrapolate so specify, “along with the other tasks assigned for tomorrow”. | Example: "We will finish this task tomorrow” may be perceived as that is the only thing we need to do tomorrow. |
Intent of others may be misperceived by the child. When the child is calm, discuss and clarify actual vs. perceived intent. | Example: A peer wanting to do something different than the child may be perceived as the peer being mean or not liking the child. |