Question 1

What is the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum in autism?

Accepted Answer

A meltdown is a sensory or emotional overload where the child cannot control their reaction due to too many stimuli or emotional exhaustion, requiring time to recover. A tantrum is intentional behavior to obtain something where the child maintains control, has a specific objective, monitors reactions, and stops if it works, requiring different educational strategies.

Question 2

What is a shutdown in autism?

Accepted Answer

A shutdown is withdrawal or closure where the child protects themselves by disconnecting. Observable signs include no response, empty eyes, being motionless or frozen, and having a need for absolute calm.

Question 3

How does the traffic light warning system work for crisis management?

Accepted Answer

The warning system has 4 levels: Green zone (all's well, maintain this state), Yellow zone (vigilance, first signs, early intervention needed), Orange zone (rising voltage, climbing signs, immediate actions required), and Red zone (crisis, crisis behavior occurring, security measures needed).

Question 4

What should you do during a crisis?

Accepted Answer

During a crisis, you should: stay calm and speak softly, reduce stimuli (light, noise), ensure physical safety, offer a quiet space, wait without pressing, and use visual aids.

Question 5

What should you avoid doing during a crisis?

Accepted Answer

You should avoid: raising your voice or shouting, touching without warning, forcing eye contact, asking questions, punishing or threatening, and gathering an audience.

Question 6

What should be considered during the recovery phase after a crisis?

Accepted Answer

After a crisis, consider the usual recovery time, what helps recovery, verify physical needs, and determine how to talk about what happened. Recovery should be approached with patience and understanding of the child's individual needs.

Crisis
Management Plan
DYNSEO

🧠 Understanding the differences

Meltdown

Shutdown

Tantrum

🚦 Alert system (traffic light)

😊 Observable signs

💚 Maintaining this state

⚠️ Early signs

🛠️ Early interventions

🔺 Escalation signs

🚨 Immediate actions

💥 Crisis behaviours

🛡️ Safety first

📋 During a crisis: Do / Don't

✅ Do

❌ Don't

🌈 After the crisis: Recovery

📞 Key contacts

🌋 Crisis Plan Summary

🚦 Traffic light levels documented

📋 Do / Don't — ticked items

🚦 Detail by level — signs and actions

🌈 Recovery plan

📞 Key contacts

+60 free tools for speech therapists & professionals

CrisisManagement PlanDYNSEO

🧠 Understanding the differences

Meltdown

Shutdown

Tantrum

🚦 Alert system (traffic light)

😊 Observable signs

💚 Maintaining this state

⚠️ Early signs

🛠️ Early interventions

🔺 Escalation signs

🚨 Immediate actions

💥 Crisis behaviours

🛡️ Safety first

📋 During a crisis: Do / Don't

✅ Do

❌ Don't

🌈 After the crisis: Recovery

📞 Key contacts

🌋 Crisis Plan Summary

🚦 Traffic light levels documented

📋 Do / Don't — ticked items

🚦 Detail by level — signs and actions

🌈 Recovery plan

📞 Key contacts

Crisis
Management Plan
DYNSEO