Dear Non-autistics:

Dear Non-autistics:

If someone you know or love is having a meltdown, please do NOT

Tell us to "stop it"

Touch us without permission

Yell at us or talk over us

Ask for complicated tasks or answers

Leave us alone if it's obvious we're a danger to ourselves or others

Use restraints, either with your own body or with physical restraints

Panic

Shake us or manhandle us. We can hear you, we just can't respond well

Remember, we are not being a problem; we're having a problem!

So, things to do!

Do:

Make sure we're safe

Remove all stimuli including turning off lights if possible, giving stim toys, noise cancelling headphones etc

Remove us from the situation if possible

Talk softly and offer alternative forms of communication if possible

Sit with us if safe to do so

Offer a stuffed animal or comfort item

Set up a meltdown guide with us so everyone is on the same page

Understand we will be unable to do much post-meltdown. Water, snacks and quiet is required.

Reassurance helps. Guilt often sets in post-meltdown.

A period of inactivity (known as a shutdown) often occurs right after a meltdown. We won't respond or look at you, but we can hear you. Please let this happen naturally

Autistics please add on. What does and doesn't help you?

PRIDE FLAG OF THE DAY

AROMANTIC

reblog if this flag represents you!

here’s the plain template for the special interest board!! @wrenfeathergobrr @teddybytes (don’t need to be tagged to use; not my template)

Ei vittu wiggletit on hattivatteja!

Me too