First aid · Emergencies · De-escalation

Is your child constantly eloping and you want to further inform your community, most specially first-responders about autism, meltdowns, sensory sensitivity, and elopement? AMUSE Foundation is a neurodivergence organization that talks to our local first responders about this, invite us to have a talk with your community, establishments, and first responders!

When encountering and attempting to assist person or family during a meltdown these key points could help. 

For minors, ask family if possible what is needed from the first responder: otherwise for you to step in or should the first responder be a shadow. Ask how the minor in need is best communicated with and what behaviors to be aware of and motivators that will help keep minors attention.

First and foremost:  Keep yourself and others safety in mind

• Be patient, kind, direct, and clear
  • Say what you mean, mean what you say
    • Includes addressing your own boundaries
• Get on their level if you can- ie sit on floor with them , kneel
• Assume competence and provide supports
• "Try to understand where the anxiety comes from" without minimizing how the students feel 
• calmness is contagious have a peaceful calm energy and voice tone
• Processing information takes time give them some time to process your request
• Allow the person to be the expert of their own experience, use their words to reflect back
• Make your comments shorter and more concrete 
• Redirect with reminders of appropriate behavior, expectations, & boundaries
• Listen to person, teachers, staff, caregivers and parents, the know the person and can be an asset; most of the time, but use discretion. Sometimes the parent/caregiver is adverse to the behavior and must be separated for safety. Again- ask what they need.