Freedom from Meltdowns (Thompson)

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Read the article: Improve students' flexibility, organization, and behavior with executive function-friendly tips

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Freedom from Meltdowns
Dr.Thompson's Solutions for Children with Autism
By Travis Thompson, Ph.D.

"Gives families information that is an essential part of their 'toolbox" for coping with meltdowns. I am glad to see a book that puts so much important information in one place, not oversimplified but still readable, with enough detail to help in many different situations." —Emily Lagace, MD, family physician and parent of two children with autism spectrum disorder

"If only this book had been there for me to read when my daughter was young and having almost daily meltdowns! Dr. Thompson leads us into one of the most challenging issues in autism spectrum challenges and makes it understandable, treatable and preventable." —Susan Moreno, M.A., A.B.S., founder and presdient of MAAP Services for the Autism Spectrum

Daily meltdowns and tantrums are one of the biggest challenges of life with autism and related disorders—they have a devastating impact on children with autism and their whole families. Now there's a book with all the expert advice front-line professionals and parents need to understand meltdowns, stop them before they start, and improve quality of life for entire families. Travis Thompson, the voice of authority on autism and behavior, channels his 40 years of experience working with children and families into a long-awaited how-to guide that helps readers

understand how other disorders and health conditions—such as anxiety, sleep disorders, OCD, ADHD, and mental health problems—contribute to meltdowns in children with autism
pinpoint events that trigger a meltdown—and prevent those triggers from escalating into an emotional explosion
use Functional Behavioral Assessment to uncover behavior patterns and develop effective intervention plans
improve communication skills so children can find positive ways to express themselves and get their needs met
create physical environments that facilitate learning and reduce distraction and confusion
work sensitively with families from diverse cultural backgrounds
discover specific ways to prevent meltdowns in school and other public settings
get insight into why children self-injure and what can be done to help them stop

Clear and practical enough to pick up and use right away, this book is filled with simple tips and strategies that really work, anecdotes from the author's extensive personal experience, and case studies that illustrate constructive and unconstructive ways to deal with familiar behavior issues. This eye-opening, problem-solving guide puts freedom from meltdowns within reach for everyone who works with or cares for a child with autism—and puts children on the path to success in school, at home, and in the community.

ORDERING INFO
ISBN 978-1-55766-986-5
Paperback
304 pages
6 x 9
2009 / $24.95
Stock# 69865

Table of Contents

About the Author
Foreword
Lynn Kern Koegel
Preface

I. Meltdown: Primary Contributing Factors

1. Wednesday's Child: Meltdowns and Tantrums

2. Health Conditions Contributing to Meltdowns

3. Trigger Events

4. What Do They Get Out of It?

II. Developing an Action Plan

5. Overcoming Behavioral Tsunamis: Functional Behavioral Assessment

6. Public Meltdowns and Self-Injury

7. Problem Solving: Communication and Social Skills

8. Managing Feelings and Mental Health Problems

III. Situational, Family, and Cultural Considerations

9. Physical Setting Features

10. Kin and Customs

11. Meltdowns in School: Prevention and Intervention

12. Family Support

References
Index