Bedtime Meltdowns Everyday. Is There Any Way To Avoid Them, Or Even Reduce The Intensity? | MyAutismTeam

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Bedtime Meltdowns Everyday. Is There Any Way To Avoid Them, Or Even Reduce The Intensity?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

I would have to say that putting my daughters to bed at night is one of the most difficult, miserable, and arduous tasks we face in our family each day. My older daughter will be drawing, or finishing watching a movie, or something else she really enjoys and happy as a clam. The minute I say “Okay girls, it’s time to brush your teeth and get to bed!” the screaming, stomping feet, and other unpleasant behaviors begin. It inevitably turns into an all out mess. These bedtime meltdowns are… read more

posted October 14, 2021
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Maybe you can try a visual schedule. You can give them choices for what would happen during the evening.
E.g. Dinner then
Preferred activity -THIS or THAT
Clean up
Bath time, brush teeth
Bed time

You can even take pictures or find images online for the schedule. They will know what to expect if they see it or know in advance.

I hope this helps! 😄

posted October 14, 2021
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thats awesome @A MyAutismTeam Member! Mine is 16 and we’re starting pre-driver’s ed 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 Yes, I’m making sure hes ready for Driver’s Ed before this single momma forks out the money. I catch myself still using timer warnings but they’re mistly for time management nowadays and he offers to set a timer 🙌🏼 #winning

posted October 14, 2021 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

Yes, @A MyAutismTeam Member. My son is 15 years old now. If he is not ready to wake up he lets me know by telling me, “Five more minutes, please!” I used to give the time warnings when we used PECS.
His teacher also talks about the schedule for the day, or any unexpected changes.

posted October 14, 2021
A MyAutismTeam Member

I agree with the visual schedule. We did the visual schedule and i encouraged my son when he was younger to participate in making the schedule. We used a velcro board that was easy for him to put up and take down the activities as they were conpleted. In addition to the schedule I gave time warnings, usually in sets of three (“in 15 minutes it’ll be time for..whatever the next activity was..then 10 minutes, then 5). I wouldn’t say it conpletely eliminated the meltdown but it definitely helped reduce them. I believe the medical terminology is pec board.

posted October 14, 2021
A MyAutismTeam Member

Do you read to your girls before bed? My daughter is pretty good about settling down for bedtime because she loves story time. We say, "Get your pajamas. Its story time." She will excitedly get dressed for bed and get under the covers and wait to be read to. She gets to pick the stories. Its something fun we do together that she has a little control over.

posted October 15, 2021

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