Crisis Guide

This will serve as a step by step guide on how to deescalate a meltdown and return your crew mate back to baseline.

everyone is unique — use this as a guide but adjust it with your own methods and discretion.

The Three I’s

• Step 1. Identify
  • First, we want to identify the trigger that caused the meltdown. This could be anything; remember our crew mates are highly sensory. A baby crying, a loud noise, profanity, flashing lights – any of these could be the tip of the iceberg that takes us away from the baseline.
  • Remember that time is important, and you have to keep your cool. Block any negative thoughts, the looks and opinions of bystanders, and all emotions. Focus on being the person that your crewmate needs you to be. Calm, collected, and solution-oriented.

• Step 2. Isolate
  • If possible you need to isolate the meltdown. Once you have identified the trigger, or even if you haven’t, take your crew mate to a temporary safe place. This can be an empty aisle in a supermarket, a quieter corner of the building, or anywhere you can find away from stimulants.
  • If possible, try to get some support. Someone close by that can help you reach a calm baseline. both of you should stand on either side of your crew mate and maintain a calming and understanding presence.

• Step 3. Integrate
  • You will then begin to integrate your crew mate toward the baseline. This can involve a variety of techniques depending on their individual needs and preferences. Some examples may include deep breathing exercises, sensory input (such as a weighted blanket), or a calming activity like drawing or listening to music.
  • Remember that every individual with autism is unique, so it’s important to tailor these techniques to your crewmate’s specific needs. The more you practice and learn about what works for them, the better equipped you’ll be to de-escalate meltdowns in the future.

• Additional Resources
  • If you’re looking for more information and support in caring for an adult with autism, there are a variety of resources available to you. It is always in your best interest to be as proactive as possible, so try to establish a relationship with your local crisis intervention team early on. Some examples of this are:
    • Getting to know your Local Law Enforcement: We can only control how we react in a Crisis situation. It is important to note that the public will typically react in the only way they know how, most commonly this is by calling the police. With the progression of Autism needs growing, many law enforcement agencies have created Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) Officers that have training in de-escalating a behavioral health-related crisis. Of course, if you are able to, always request that these officers respond to a call if it comes to that. You should also be proactive in getting to know them and feeling comfortable when they come to help.
    • Out-patient Crisis Therapy Homes – Sometimes the tides get too rough to handle and we need to dock the ship before resuming our voyage to calmer waters. Many states have appointed a network of Crisis Therapy Homes that will admit our crewmate and provide therapy services until we are able to reintegrate back to baseline. Contact your Community Services Board support coordinator for more details on what this is in your state. You can also refer to the information available on your state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website.