Neurodiverse Meltdowns. What helps?

I'll go first! 😄 Here is a list of strategies I like to use:

- Learn your triggers and create a list of strategies for them

- Use deep pressure such as weighted blankets or weighted plushies

- Use stimming to help calm down

- Noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses or loops for noise and light sensory issues

- Use smart bulbs in rooms so you can dim the lighting

- Create a sensory toolbox thats easily accessible. I like to keep a comfortable pair of PJs in there as well so I know I have something I can wear that I will feel okay with.

- Have an exit strategies for events

- Have a box of sensory toys to use such as stressballs, fidgets, bubbles, playdough, chew toys, lollies.

Make or buy some emotion/communication cards for when you go non-verbal.

Here's an example I found on etsy but Canva have some great free templates you can use.

https://www.canva.com/flashcards/templates/emotions/

Use a mindful/breathing technique.

This website has some great pages of breathing techniques you can print out to provide a visual cue of what to do:

https://www.jpsny.org/cms/lib/NY50000104/Centricity/Domain/4804/MindfulnessBreathingPostersandPocketCardsCalmDownCorner.pdf

Use the diving technique or Tip The Temperature to help reset yourself. This video does a great job of explaining it and how to do it but it essentially involves dipping your face in cold water to reset your nervous system and help you calm down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVHtjDgc_XU

Great ideas there @LilMapleLeaf !

I could certainly utilise those strategies! I'm not neurodiverse (others would think otherwise), but it doesn't stop the emotional meltdowns!

Thanks!

G'day @LilMapleLeaf ,

Great idea for a post!

I think for me as an autistic person it was learning to figure out the signs that I needed space to regulate... I have a huge workload and part of that is working as a support worker - I am constantly on and sociable at work and this takes it out of me so having time on my own to recharge has been a gamechanger (otherwise I'm grumpy and short fused at times). Going for a walk while listening to music or a podcast, reading a book, doing some exercise or just watching dumb videos all help me to recharge.

@tyme

I'm so glad you are able to find some use in these! These strategies are absolutely not just for neurodiverse so please go ahead and give them all a go!

@Jasper_123

Absolutely, you are 100% correct! Spending that time to figure out your signs and triggers is going to be a HUGE help!

I remember I would get so cranky for no reason and not understand why, for instance if I was walking and got dirt in my shoes, it would drive me crazy. But as I started to learn about my ADHD and my signs I realised that was sensory overload and if I just avoid walking on dirt I'll be fine. It's insane how much we are unaware of until we take the time to listen to our bodies and identify what it needs.