"What exactly is a meltdown, and how is it different from a tantrum?"
"What should I do when my child is having a meltdown?"
"Are sensory issues the main cause, or do emotions and stress also play a role?""
Should I comfort my child, give them space, or try to distract them?"
"Should I talk to my child about what happened, or just let it go?"
Autistic distress and meltdowns are not tantrums — they are responses to being completely overwhelmed in both the brain and body, resulting in a temporary loss of control. How you communicate and interact with an Autistic child or young person can directly influence the outcome — either escalating or de-escalating their distress.
What you will learn
- Underlying causes and signs of Autistic distress / meltdowns
- What happens to the brain and body
- How speech, language, and communication are impacted
- Tips and strategies that help a young person during heightened distress
- Common pitfalls and what to avoid
- Time for Q&A (hopefully!)
Recording will be available for a temporary period
Who I am
I'm Emily Price (she/her), an Autistic Speech and Language Therapist based in Manchester, UK. I've also been diagnosed with ADHD. I campaign for radical changes in therapy practices through public speaking and training, aiming to transform how professionals assess and support neurodivergent people. I understand first-hand the challenges of trying to navigate a world that is not set up for me. I also experience overwhelm, meltdowns, and distress, and I use my lived experience to inform my practice.
Website: www.autisticslt.com / www.divergentperspectives.co.uk
Email: autisticslt@gmail.com
