Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others, too.
" I have a child who loves to line things up in rows, for example, all the lego figures on the printer, or cuddly toys on the floor by the door. If the things fall down, or he has no more space, he has a meltdown and screams, hits and jumps against walls and windows.
We have tried redirecting it to one shelf where there is enough space and it wouldn’t disturb anyone else, but he won’t stick to this one area.
How can I support him more? Or help him to no longer have the need to control this?"
This is a schema of play, and it will help him ease his anxiety and feel more in control. You can find more info about it on the product page.
Ways of reducing anxiety:
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- Ensure he is given choices in his day
- Be as child-led in play tasks as possible
- Offer him ways to communicate his wants and needs and feel understood
- Have a clear and visually uncluttered space
- Have a space that he feels safe in, that he can call his own.
Intensive interaction should also help.
I hope that helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions, you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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