3 Steps to Handling an Aspie Tantrum

It's been drummed into our heads since we were children.

If you are on fire: Stop, Drop and Roll.

Whether in the beginning stages of an argument or in the midst of a 5-alarm tantrum, handling the situation with your Aspie child is much like dealing with fire.

It's always best to diffuse the situation early on - before - the tantrum is out of control.

The argument got louder and more animated.

Doesn't every child like the amusement park?

A simple, fun planned trip was turning into a huge nightmare before we got in the car and I was SET on getting my way. "You're GOING and you're going to have FUN!"

"If you make me go I'm going to (expletive) kill you!" With that he picked up the kitchen knife and held it in a threatening manner.

(continued)

Stop - Drop - and - Roll With It.

Aspie kids hate conflict but for some reason you find yourself arguing with your kid all the time. If you are reading this it is probably because you are dealing with tantrums on a regular basis. You probably want to pull out your hair because of the frustration of it all.

What to do when you are at your wit's end and your child thinks they are always right? It is always best to temper the flame before it gets out of control. It is hard enough to do at home but what about at school? The simple fact is: you cannot be everywhere all the time but you can attempt this exercise. If you find that it works then contact the school and share what works with the teachers, guidance counselors, and anyone else in contact with your child.

It is difficult for NT (neurotypical) siblings to remain patient and understanding. Oftentimes they are resentful of the attention paid to their "special" sibling. To them, it's just their brother or sister who doesn't play well, share toys and says the most ridiculous stuff. Siblings are amazing triggers for tantrums because they know how to push buttons if they are feeling spiteful.

You can be a trigger too. Maybe you've had a bad day and feeling a little frayed. Maybe just for once you want to have a day without an argument or debate. That switch in your head insists you are going to win the battle of wills and the situation spins out of control.

Maybe your child had a particularly bad day at school. They are finally in their safe place and trying to process their day but you and/or their siblings are "bothering them." NOTE: "Bothering" could be something as simple as knocking on their door to say you are home. Whatever the case, your Aspie started freaking out.

Here are three steps that may help in this situation - if you are willing to try.

When he picked up the knife I got ice cold, quiet, and calm. Very, very calm.

Intrinsically I knew my son is not a psychopath or I would be dead right now.

His reaction to my sudden quiet was palpable but here we were in some crazy, horror-movie stand off.

"You have a choice, kiddo." I started very matter-of-fact. Don't ask me where it came from or how I pulled it off. "You can use that knife but you better make sure I'm dead **OR** you can put it down, go to your room, and think about what just happened here."

Without hesitation he put the knife down and escaped into the safety of his room.

STOP:

Common scenario:
You are trying to remain calm and make your point.
He is shutting down and blocking you out. His defense mechanisms are on full blast and he is starting to spew.
You are trying to remain cool but it's getting harder because your adrenaline is pumping and you just want to make sure they are understanding.
You are both losing your temper and your voices begin to get louder and your stance is more confrontational.

It's a full-blown fire and the flames are spiraling out of control.

Stop. Just STOP.

You are the parent/guardian. You must take control of the situation. Be quiet, take a deep breath and a moment to regroup. Get yourself under control.

DROP:

Once you are (somewhat) under control. Drop it down. Drop your tone of voice. Drop your shoulders. Relax your body. The tantrum is secondary to getting back into control and taking charge.

Calmly and as monotone as you can: "I am done with this argument. I am done being yelled at. We will finish this conversation when we are both calm. Please go to your room and think about what happened. Come out when you are ready to talk."

By doing this you have regained control, demanded respect, made known the intention to revisit the subject, released your child from the situation, and empowered them with the decision to come out when they were ready.

ROLL WITH IT:

Your child will often say hurtful things in the heat of the moment. Never take it personally. It is a defense mechanism - a way of pushing away whatever is offending them so they can retreat to their safe space. Let it go. Just roll with it.

Yes - EMPOWER your child! They are confused, bombarded by societal rules, and constantly feel attacked or out of place. If they cannot feel safe and in control around you, then where?

Hindsight is 20/20. Most arguments are born from a communication gap. By stepping away from the situation, it gives all parties an opportunity think about what happened and let the brain catch up to the action.

You will know when to revisit the subject when your child ventures out of their safe place. You may even be surprised by an apology gracing their lips. Once everything is calm you may even come to a respectful and mutual understanding – even if it’s agreeing to disagree.

If you practice Stop, Drop, and Roll, you may be pleasantly surprised by the new lines of communication.