Autism Spectrum Meltdowns: Effective Interventions (Lipsky HS 030090)

Course overview

Interventions from an insider’s perspective— - Anxiety to meltdown: Recognize the triggers - Strategies to de-escalate the situation - Techniques to effectively communicate What causes the unusually strong reactions of a meltdown? Can you see it coming? Is it a meltdown or a tantrum? Is it willful, manipulative behavior? Is ‘Fight or Flight’ the only option? Individuals on the autism spectrum often react very strongly to seemingly minor changes in routine, patterns, food, clothing, noise and a host of other environmental factors. Understanding and recognizing your client’s personal triggers is essential to developing an intervention/crisis plan to lower the levels of anxiety and avoid a catastrophic reaction. Join the inspirational Deborah Lipsky, M.Ed., as she presents a rare and unique perspective from someone who lives with autism every day. Through a combination of personal experiences and professional knowledge she will offer you a rare glimpse into the neurological processing differences of an individual with autism and explain the physical and mental processes of a meltdown. You will participate in interactive exercises where you are “autistic” for a moment to gain a greater appreciation of the challenges individuals with autism face. You will learn how to recognize the differences between a meltdown and a behavioral tantrum and what can trigger a meltdown. You will walk away with effective intervention strategies to use before, during, and after a meltdown.