How Quad Cities Parents Can Handle Public Tantrums
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Parenting is never easy, but it can become even more challenging when your child starts a meltdown in the middle of a bustling place like SouthPark Mall or a crowded location like Davenport Park. Managing an autistic child is up there among the most draining situations for parents, primarily when they act out at the most unexpected times. One minute you’re having a good time with your child, and the next, you’re trying to appear calm despite panicking on the inside. Children with autism struggle with a lot of emotional regulation skills that you, as a parent, need to understand and also learn to manage. This piece is particularly targeted towards Quad City parents like you, and how they can improve in these cases when they arise.
Why Do Autistic Children Exhibit Challenging Behaviors?
Sometimes, before you can solve a problem, you need to understand what it is and why it exists. People often say autism comes with challenging emotional tantrums and meltdowns, without going deep into why it happens. So in this piece, we’ll start by explaining these basics. Challenging behaviors can manifest in various ways, including tantrums, shouting, running away, or refusing to follow directions. According to Lighthouse Autism Center, many behaviors, especially in autistic children, are forms of communication. It could be to signal distress, discomfort, or simply your child’s way of telling you they’re overwhelmed.
This response is often triggered by public spaces and other factors associated with them, such as loud noises, crowds, and unfamiliar waiting line routines. Understanding this dynamic is crucial to handling behavior of autistic children because it tells you exactly what the trigger is, and helps you diffuse the meltdown if possible. However, you can’t always run from them. Of course, there will be days when you’re spending quality time with your kids at NorthPark Mall or any other popular hotspot around. Now, the question is, how do you handle meltdowns if they occur on such days?
Best Strategies for Managing Challenging Behavior in Public
The first and most important thing to note is that you need to pack items that can help reduce overstimulation in public spaces. Consider bringing a face mask, sunglasses, a pair of headphones, and items to fidget with. Anything to distract them from the noise should be good enough. Aside from this, we have four other tips below that can help:
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Recognize Early Signs Of Distress
Sometimes you see the signs, but it might just be a case of you being oblivious to them. When you notice clues like restlessness, covering of the ears, or pacing, it’s an easy signal that your child is getting overstimulated. Step in early when such a situation arises, and suggest taking a break from current activities or stepping away until things return to normal.
Use The Environment
Often, there are quiet locations nearby that can help you escape the noise and crowds. For instance, public spaces in Downtown Davenport offer quiet and entertaining locations, such as the Figge Art Museum. This kind of attraction spot is an excellent choice for your child, and you should consider taking a walk there for some quiet time. Most Quad City playgrounds also have benches or quiet corners away from the crowd to help reduce overstimulation.
Stay Calm And Supportive
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in this situation is trying to correct your child forcefully or raising your voice. You should understand that your calm is contagious and reassuring for your child in situations like this. The best approach is to try to de-escalate the situation rather than scolding severely or withdrawing.
Utilize Positive Reinforcement
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Even as an adult, being complimented and rewarded for certain behaviors makes you want to repeat them. Reinforcing positive behavior in your child can help you achieve similar results. Presenting positive praises and reassurance when they act accordingly in public can encourage them to do better.
Seek Professional Support
Even with the best preparation and patience, some behaviors can persist and feel overwhelming. When that happens, the next step should be to seek professional help. There are numerous local therapy centers in the Quad Cities for you to visit. Clinics in the Quad Cities, such as Lighthouse Autism Center, provide personalized support for children with autism and other developmental needs. The clinic’s guide on handling socially inappropriate behavior in public can also be helpful, as it contains detailed guidance from a professional perspective.
You Are Not Alone
Parenting an autistic child in challenging times can be one of the most vulnerable experiences, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Every parent faces some form of these frustrations from time to time. The priority should be responding with love, empathy, and commitment to your child’s well-being, and that should be your priority. If it gets a little too overwhelming, remember that seeking professional help is also an alternative.
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