Autistic Littles!

Autistic Littles!

Hello there! This post is for caregivers who care for littles who are autistic. Here's some ways to help with meltdowns or times when autism is being meaner than usual! (All from my personal experience as someone with autism! Not everyone is the same!)

First, let's start with some of the possible warning signs of a meltdown! 1. Sensory Issues worse than usual -> Textures may be described as "wrong" or "bad" -> Things may be perceived as louder than they actually are -> Things may be perceived as brighter than they actually are -> Room feels like it's closing in around you 2. May become more irritable -> May be more prone to snapping or having an attitude -> Could possibly be described as more "stubborn" 3. Trouble communicating -> Being non-verbal for a prolonged amount of time -> Trouble expressing feelings or emotions -> Could also speak faster than usual or slower than usual -> Saying things like "I don't know what's wrong" or "I can't figure out what's happening" 4. Difficulty taking care of self -> Forgetting to eat/not wanting to -> Not sleeping as they normally would -> Not having the motivation or energy to do basic tasks 5. Isolation -> This is a big warning sign! -> Not wanting to go out/leave the house/leave their room -> Struggling when they do leave their space 6. Increase in stimming (whether super noticeable stims, or more passive ones) -> Hand flapping, rocking, mouth popping, hair fidgeting, fidgeting with hands, etc These are some of the possible warning signs, but everyone is different. Now, here's some ways you can help a little experiencing this.

~Be patient and understanding. Autism can be scary outside of littlespace, but it can be scarier when little. Try not to get angry or frustrated. ~Avoid yelling or any other loud noises ~Don't force them to talk or communicate. Sometimes it's better to just have someone there ~Listen if they do try and communicate their needs. ~Going along with the one above, but don't feel hurt or like you did something wrong if they ask to be left alone or tell you they need space. Sometimes having someone around is too much and they might just need to process their emotions on their own. ~Communicate on ways to help once the meltdown seems to subside ~Remember that everyone is different. What you've seen work for someone might not work for someone else. It varies (which is why communication is good) ~Try to give suggestions if sensory issues is something that's a main struggle ("Try changing into comfy clothes" "Try a different blanket" "Turn off the TV?" "Turn off the lights?") Just trying to figure out what helps and what doesn't ~Offer a distraction if that's what they need (Ask about hyperfixations, even if you already know the answers to the questions. One of the good ones for me that always seems to come up is dinosaurs <3)

Remember: It's okay if something you do doesn't help. That's how you learn and you know not to do that thing next time. It's okay <3 You're doing great

things red panda regressors might like !!

fresh fruits

mirrors

being lazy

building blocks

cozy clothes

warm drinks

playtime

anything crunchy

playgrounds (especially the teeter-totters!)

naptime

🩵Being your own caregiver🍓

Being your own caregiver is important. It’s not just prepping a time and space to regress. It’s also about treating yourself with kindness, respect, and understanding.

Even if you have a Caregiver, you still need to be able to treat your little self the way they deserve to be treated.

This could look like ~

🩵talking to yourself through big emotions

🍓making sure any little items are clean and ready for you when you’ll need them

🩵redoing your day plan to accommodate your little self and their needs

🍓giving yourself constant reassurance and affirmations

🩵checking in with yourself about your wants, needs, feelings, boundaries and to work with your little self on them

(Plus many many others I haven’t named)

things a changeling (mlp) regressor might like !!

insects

pools

crystals

lots of attention

sparkly things

stim slugs

dress up

romance movies

crinkly toys

crunchy fruits

floral and fruity smells

the beach

bright colors

glow sticks

( request from anon )