Ten Strategies For Navigating Temper Tantrums For Parents Of Children With Autism In Mississauga 

Kids can get stressed out just like adults do, however, they haven’t quite developed the same coping strategies that we have. Sometimes this can get messy. This is amplified when parenting a child with autism. This comes with its own unique challenges. One of the major aspects in handling stressful events is how you (and they) manage temper tantrums. In all children, sudden outbursts are common, varying wildly in intensity and duration. However, it is how we handle them and mitigate their onset which is important. 

Here are ten effective tools to help you respond to temper tantrums in children with autism Mississauga.

1. Try To Teach Coping Skills

There are a few coping methods (that also work for adults) that you can pass on to your child. Some of these techniques to manage emotions include counting slowly to ten before reacting, practicing deep breathing, or making use of a sensory device like a stress ball or fidget toy. Familiarize yourself and your child with these skills during peaceful times so they can be used like a reflex when tantrums rear their head.

2. Explain Your Expectations

Kids are often just along for the ride, so it can be grounding and empowering for them to know what is going to happen when. Even more so, children with autism have a need for the assurance found in routine and predictability. Use straightforward language and visual aids to map out events in advance and be sure there are less surprises. As much as possible, clearly communicate expectations and changes beforehand. 

3. Make Use Of Visual Supports 

A step-by-step playbook of what to expect can be instructional and reassuring. Visual aids such as flow charts, pictographs, schedules, picture cards, and emotion charts can help your child understand what’s coming next and brace for it. Having all the details in one place can also help them communicate their feelings more articulately. Overall, having a visual way to map things out in advance has been proven to reduce anxiety and prevent subsequent meltdowns.

4. Build Out A Communication Plan

Children get discouraged and angry just like the rest of us, for many of the same reasons. They just tend to be more expressive. Most tantrums stem from frustration and breakdown in communications. Do your best to incorporate alternate forms of getting a message across: try sign language, simple gestures, or communication apps if verbal dialogue is challenging.

5. Work To Identify The Triggers

Navigating the minefield of emotions in children is never easy. Do what you can to commit the hot buttons to memory as they come up. Understanding what triggers your child’s tantrums is a huge first step. For many children with autism, this could be changes in routine, sensory overload, communication challenges, or simply frustration over not being properly understood. It’s not a bad idea to keep a log or journal handy to help you recognize patterns.

6. Find A Soothing Environment

Parenting involves its share of quick thinking. If you can sense a tantrum brewing, distract your child with a calming atmosphere. Some fast actions include: immediately reducing any overt sensory stimuli like bright lights, loud noises or pungent smells; having a quiet space mapped out in advance; or being sure that soothing toys and objects are always close at hand (like a favourite fuzzy blanket or stuffed animal).

7. Remain Calm 

Emotions can be contagious, so it’s important to check yourself and not get pulled into the whirlwind. It’s natural for a parent or caregiver to feel overwhelmed during a tantrum, however maintaining a calm front is essential. Do your best to always speak in a soothing voice, offer a reassuring hug, and avoid escalating the situation with negative, loud, or harsh reactions.

8. Give Your Child Options 

Choices are empowering. They are a good way to give an unhinged child a reassuring sense of control. Offer them some reasonable options and let them determine what the next course of action will be. An example of this would be: “Would you like to go with me to get a snack or would you prefer to spend some quiet time with your book?”

9. Use Positive Reinforcement

Children with autism respond well to active encouragement. Look to positive reinforcement when you want to encourage desired behaviours. Praise and reward your child when they handle frustration or communicate effectively, reinforcing these skills over time.

10. Get Support

Monarch House is here to help. Parenting a neurodivergent child can come with its challenges, but you don’t have to do it all alone. We can help you connect with support groups, various autism organizations, and find guidance from therapists and behavioural specialists for children with autism. There is a team available to help you and your child with personalized strategies and support.

You don’t need to be a monk when it comes to handling an angry child (but it helps). With these strategies in place, navigating temper tantrums in children with autism Missisauga becomes a little easier. You just need a little understanding, patience, and knowhow. Start by learning how to identify triggers, create a supportive environment, and refine coping skills. With some practice and insight, you can help a child reduce the frequency and intensity of their tantrums and teach them how to manage their emotions in a healthy way. Keep in mind, every child is unique, so experiment with different strategies to find what works best for them. With consistency, compassion and time, you can empower your child to handle their outbursts more effectively (and know what to do when they arise).