How to Calm Down an Autistic Person
If the person is verbal, ask them what is bothering them., Turn off any television, music etc., Offer a massage., Don't try to prevent stimming., Offer to apply gentle pressure on their body., If they're thrashing or flailing, move any objects that...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: If the person is verbal
If it's an advertisement on a television, or a loud noise, take them away from the area (move them somewhere quiet).
During severe sensory overload, people who are ordinarily verbal may suddenly lose the ability to speak.
This is due to severe overstimulation, and will pass with relaxation time.
If someone has lost the ability to speak, ask only yes/no questions that they can answer with thumbs up/thumbs down. -
Step 2: ask them what is bothering them.
and avoid using light touch.
Often, autistic people have problems with sensory input; they hear, feel, and see things much more intensely than others do.
It is as if the volume for everything has been turned up. , Many autistic people have benefited from massage therapy.
Help them into a comfortable position, gently squeeze their temples, massage their shoulders, rub their backs, or their feet.
Keep your movements gentle, soothing, and careful. , Stimming is a series of repetitive movements that are calming mechanisms for autistic people.
Examples of stimming include: hand flapping, finger flicking, and rocking.
Stimming can help prevent or reduce symptoms of meltdowns etc.
If however, the person is hurting themselves (e.g. hitting fists on things, banging their head against the wall etc.) then do your best to stop this.
Distraction is preferable to restraint, as it is less likely to hurt them., If the person is sitting up, stand behind him/her and cross your arms over their chest.
Face your head sideways and rest your cheek on his/her head.
Squeeze them tightly, asking them if they want you to squeeze less or more tightly.
This is called deep pressure, and it should help them relax and feel better. , Protect their head by either putting it on your lap, or putting a pillow underneath it. , Hold them, rub their shoulders and show affection.
This could help them calm down.
If they say they don't want to be touched, don't take it personally; they simply can't handle touch at the moment. , Many autistic people would get more angry and being touched and having clothing removed by other people.
Scarves, sweaters, or ties may be worsening the autistic person's distress.
Ask first, since the movement may worsen sensory overload. , If you cannot, encourage any people in the room to leave.
Explain that unexpected noise and movement are hard for the autistic person right now, and she would be happy to hang out again sometime later. , Parents, teachers, and caregivers may know how to help.
They may be able to offer specific insight about the autistic person's particular needs. -
Step 3: Turn off any television
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Step 4: music etc.
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Step 5: Offer a massage.
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Step 6: Don't try to prevent stimming.
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Step 7: Offer to apply gentle pressure on their body.
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Step 8: If they're thrashing or flailing
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Step 9: move any objects that could cause harm to them out of the way.
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Step 10: If they are okay with being touched
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Step 11: do so.
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Step 12: Remove any uncomfortable clothing if they are OK with it.
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Step 13: If you can
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Step 14: carry or escort them to a quiet place.
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Step 15: If the situation worsens
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Step 16: call for help.
Detailed Guide
If it's an advertisement on a television, or a loud noise, take them away from the area (move them somewhere quiet).
During severe sensory overload, people who are ordinarily verbal may suddenly lose the ability to speak.
This is due to severe overstimulation, and will pass with relaxation time.
If someone has lost the ability to speak, ask only yes/no questions that they can answer with thumbs up/thumbs down.
and avoid using light touch.
Often, autistic people have problems with sensory input; they hear, feel, and see things much more intensely than others do.
It is as if the volume for everything has been turned up. , Many autistic people have benefited from massage therapy.
Help them into a comfortable position, gently squeeze their temples, massage their shoulders, rub their backs, or their feet.
Keep your movements gentle, soothing, and careful. , Stimming is a series of repetitive movements that are calming mechanisms for autistic people.
Examples of stimming include: hand flapping, finger flicking, and rocking.
Stimming can help prevent or reduce symptoms of meltdowns etc.
If however, the person is hurting themselves (e.g. hitting fists on things, banging their head against the wall etc.) then do your best to stop this.
Distraction is preferable to restraint, as it is less likely to hurt them., If the person is sitting up, stand behind him/her and cross your arms over their chest.
Face your head sideways and rest your cheek on his/her head.
Squeeze them tightly, asking them if they want you to squeeze less or more tightly.
This is called deep pressure, and it should help them relax and feel better. , Protect their head by either putting it on your lap, or putting a pillow underneath it. , Hold them, rub their shoulders and show affection.
This could help them calm down.
If they say they don't want to be touched, don't take it personally; they simply can't handle touch at the moment. , Many autistic people would get more angry and being touched and having clothing removed by other people.
Scarves, sweaters, or ties may be worsening the autistic person's distress.
Ask first, since the movement may worsen sensory overload. , If you cannot, encourage any people in the room to leave.
Explain that unexpected noise and movement are hard for the autistic person right now, and she would be happy to hang out again sometime later. , Parents, teachers, and caregivers may know how to help.
They may be able to offer specific insight about the autistic person's particular needs.
About the Author
Andrea Thompson
Andrea Thompson is an experienced writer with over 1 years of expertise in advertising. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Andrea creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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