How I descalate a meltdown with my special needs son 😭🐸

@itscassieblanko

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Why it worked

The video provides practical, relatable advice for a common parenting challenge, framed within a personal and vulnerable narrative. The creator's willingness to share a difficult moment and offer solutions resonates with viewers facing similar situations, while the mention of a popular car brand's features adds a layer of interest.

Summary

The creator shares techniques for de-escalating a meltdown with her special needs son while driving. She demonstrates "safe hands" and deep breathing techniques, and explains the importance of staying calm and using a stern voice when necessary. The video also highlights the helpfulness of the Tesla's auto-drive feature during stressful situations.

Structure

1Meltdown triggered by wrong turn
2Son removes seatbelt
3

Original caption

I share moments like these not for sympathy, but to bring awareness to the realities many special needs families experience behind closed doors. Every child is different, and what works for my son may not work for another. With that being said, these are some techniques that help us safely move through some of his hard moments with love & patience. 4 steps I use to de-escalate: 1. 🩵 Stay calm. I regulate myself first because my calm helps create a sense of safety for him. 2. Use the “Safe Hands” technique. I gently redirect any aggressive behaviors. 3. 🤲 Gently hold his hands & pray. I invite God into the situation to provide peace, comfort & trusting he will meet us where we are. 9 times out to 10 prayer calms him & helps him regulate. 4. 🌬️ Practice deep breathing. Once he’s able to engage, we take slow, deep breaths together to help his body begin to calm. These moments are never easy, but I want my son to know that even on his hardest days, he is loved, supported, and never alone. 💙 If this encourages another special needs parent, know that you’re not alone either. We’re in this together. 🧩🥺 let me know other techniques I can try seatbelt situations I can use to better ensure his safety. #autism #specialneeds #autismawareness

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On-screen text

How I descalate a meltdown with my special needs son 😭🐸 Trigger Warning: This video contains a real-life autistic meltdown involving aggression. He was upset we took the wrong turn which triggered a meltdown (anything can trigger Meltdowns sometimes) He kept taking off his seat belt Which is why I kept having to ask him to put it back on He was upset we took the wrong turn which triggered a meltdown (anything can trigger Meltdowns sometimes) He kept taking off his seat belt Which is why I kept having to ask him to put it back on He was upset we took the wrong turn which triggered a meltdown (anything can trigger Meltdowns sometimes) He kept taking off his seat belt Which is why I kept having to ask him to put it back on Driving a certain direction he doesn't want to go in can trigger a meltdown Its sooo important to remain calm (i struggle sometimes) bc loud yelling can increase frustration Seatbelt on I try to stay calm but still have a stern voice when instructing important directions to let him know i am serious Seatbelt Thank you Safe hands technique is a simple way to teach my son what to do with his hands when he's overwhelmed or upset Safe hands When "safe hands" isn't working, I gently grab my son's hands to help prevent further aggression & keep everyone safe. In those moments, I also pray. It's my way of inviting God into the situation, asking Him to bring peace, comfort, & help my son find emotional regulation. Can we do safe hands please? Deep breath technique is also a simple to help them calm their emotions & practice breathing. Deep breath Good Good job breathing. This is the reality sometimes driving can be unsafe when this happens, so I have to stop, I have to pull over and I have to just make sure that he is regulated and calmed down so that's sometimes is a struggle. Anyways, thank goodness I have auto drive because when this happens, I'm able to at least have a little bit of time to like take care of the situation. I know a lot of people hate Elon Musk and Teslas, but there's a lot of great safety features that I stand behind. And that's how I descalate a meltdown. Also thank goodness I have auto drive because when this happens, I'm able to at least have a little bit of time to like take care of the situation. I know a lot of people hate Elon Musk and Teslas, but there's a lot of great safety features that I stand behind. And that's how I descalate a meltdown.

Transcript

He was upset we took the wrong turn which triggered a meltdown (anything can trigger Meltdowns sometimes) He kept taking off his seat belt Which is why I kept having to ask him to put it back on He was upset we took the wrong turn which triggered a meltdown (anything can trigger Meltdowns sometimes) He kept taking off his seat belt Which is why I kept having to ask him to put it back on He was upset we took the wrong turn which triggered a meltdown (anything can trigger Meltdowns sometimes) He kept taking off his seat belt Which is why I kept having to ask him to put it back on Driving a certain direction he doesn't want to go in can trigger a meltdown Its sooo important to remain calm (i struggle sometimes) bc loud yelling can increase frustration Seatbelt on I try to stay calm but still have a stern voice when instructing important directions to let him know i am serious Seatbelt Thank you The safe hands technique is a simple way to teach my son what to do with his hands when he's overwhelmed or upset Safe hands When "safe hands" isn't working, I gently grab my son's hands to help prevent further aggression & keep everyone safe. In those moments, I also pray. It's my way of inviting God into the situation, asking Him to bring peace, comfort, & help my son find emotional regulation. Can we do safe hands please? Deep breath technique is also a simple to help them calm their emotions & practice breathing. Deep breath Good Good job breathing. This is the reality sometimes driving can be unsafe when this happens, so I have to stop, I have to pull over and I have to just make sure that he is regulated and calmed down so that's sometimes is a struggle. Anyways, thank goodness I have auto drive because when this happens, I'm able to at least have a little bit of time to like take care of the situation. I know a lot of people hate Elon Musk and Teslas, but there's a lot of great safety features that I stand behind. And that's how I descalate a meltdown. Also thank goodness I have auto drive because when this happens, I'm able to at least have a little bit of time to like take care of the situation. I know a lot of people hate Elon Musk and Teslas, but there's a lot of great safety features that I stand behind. And that's how I descalate a meltdown.