Nonverbal Reasoning and Meltdowns
Differences in interpretation of the world can contribute to frustration and emotional outbursts.
Differences in interpretation of the world can contribute to frustration and emotional outbursts.
| Familiarity and predictability can assist with approaching novel situations. Identify triggers prior to a situation. | Example: Playground can be a difficult area |
| Prepare the child in advance | Example: Give reminders that peers may want to play different things and give options for what the child can do:
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| Incorporate positive familiar aspects (e.g. pair with a friend or preferred adult going into a difficult situation, bring a favorite stuffed animal) | Examples:
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| Understand that the child may interpret information in a very literal manner, and so can become upset when situations do not go according to his/her specific expectations. Clarify possibilities to extend the child’s parameter of expectations | Example: We will plan to go to the store after school, but we may need to do a couple of other errands first. |
| Include various details rather than taking for granted that the child will extrapolate so specify, “along with the other tasks assigned for tomorrow”. | Example: "We will finish this task tomorrow” may be perceived as that is the only thing we need to do tomorrow. |
| Intent of others may be misperceived by the child. When the child is calm, discuss and clarify actual vs. perceived intent. | Example: A peer wanting to do something different than the child may be perceived as the peer being mean or not liking the child. |