| Signs of Distress | Overwhelmed | Returning to Calm | Supporter Tips |
| How do I know the Dependant is destressed | What happens when the Dependant is overwhelmed? | How do I support the Dependant to return to calm? | How can I be best prepared for distress and overwhelm? |
|
● Pacing ● Become still ● Rocking ● Seeking reassurance ● Repetitive questioning ● Agitation ● Irritable ● Complaining ● Avoidance ● Clinginess ● Other (test needs to be removed from app) |
● Meltdown ● Run away ● Cause a disruption ● Physical venting ● Verbal venting ● Self-soothing action ● Other (please add Other to the app in these places) |
Specific Details: ● Amount of Time (it takes to calm down) ● Proximity ● Calming words ● Reassurance ● Calming body movements ● Introduction of item ● Other |
● Stay calm ● Interrupt signs of distress ● Introduce humour ● Use a soothing voice ● Tune into body cues ● Breathe ● Tell people to move along ● Add new triggers to the profile ● Carry ‘back up’ resources with you ● Other |
|
DETAILS – obvious and subtle signs HOW TO SUPPORT |
DETAILS – what happens during the ‘overwhelm’ HOW TO SUPPORT Think, Say, Do, Don’t.. |
DETAILS – what and why HOW TO SUPPORT Think, Say, Do, Don’t.. |
|
| Think, Say, Do, Don’t.. | Think, Say, Do, Don’t.. |
When the Account User becomes overwhelmed with big behaviours, it is easy to also become overwhelmed. That great plan for handling any situation has left your brain. When a person is overwhelmed, the cognitive (brain) impact can be:
Mental slowness
Forgetfulness
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating or thinking logically
Racing mind
Impaired ability to problem solve
The SOS tool is extremely helpful when you feel overwhelmed. At your fingertips, you can quickly access information about how the Account User demonstrates distress and what you can do to support the Account User to return to calm. Having this information in your hand (phone) gives you strategies and confidence. Now you can ignore any unwanted attention and focus on the Account User who needs you to be very present RIGHT NOW.
Signs
• Pacing
• Become still
• Rocking
• Seeking reassurance
• Repetitive questioning
• Agitation
• Irritable
• Complaining about
• Avoidance
• Clinginess
+
How to Support
• Stay calm
• Protect the space from outsiders
• Leave the situation
• Break the focus
• Use a calming strategy
• Find a quiet ‘time out’ space
• Give a cool drink
• Listen to music
• Give a fidget toy
• DO NOT ASK ANY QUESTIONS
+
Signs
• Meltdown
• Run away
• Cause a disruption
• Physical venting
• Verbal venting
• Self-soothing action
+
How to Support
• Stay calm
• Sit on the ground with me
• Ask to hold me
• Tell people to move along
• Remove me (if I am small) from the situation
• Give me a device with a game
• Give paper & pencil
• Give something to hold
• Breathing exercise
• Follow from distance
+
Supporting the Account User to return to calm requires a number of considerations to take place at the same time.
The Account Holder provides specific details for each consideration:
Amount of time usually needed
Proximity
Calming words
Reassurance
Calming body movements
Introduction of item (eg toy, electronic device with game, other)
For Example:
| Amount of time usually needed | a meltdown can go for 3 to 4 hours If X is not given the right support then the meltdown should go for about 30 minutes. Take cues from X |
|---|---|
| Proximity | Do not touch the Account User. Ask (every few minutes) if the Account User needs a hug. |
| Calming words | Acknowledge the Account User is upset. Say something like ‘breathe [preferred name or term of endearment] (start belly breathing) |
| Reassurance | “We can get through this. Let me know when you want to talk“ “I can see your body relaxing; you’re okay“ “You’re safe. I’m right here with you” “There is no one else, just you and me” |
| Calming body movements | Model slow breathing and relaxing on each exhale |
| Introduction of item | Give Person a cold drink of water (on a hot day). Tell them you will give them your phone for (favourite game) when they have had their water |
• Stay calm
• Interrupt signs of distress
• Introduce humour (silliness, dancing, jokes)
• Use a soothing voice
• Tune into the body cues
• Breathe; it’s not personal
• Tell people to move along
• Add new triggers to the profile
• Carry ‘back up’ resources with you: fidget toy, paper/pencil, phone with games/music, calming item, water, noise cancelling headphones