Autistic children exhibit many unusual behaviors, such as screaming and yelling in public places like buses, subways, supermarkets, which can make people around them uncomfortable and disturbed while also causing anxiety and embarrassment for parents.
In such situations, parents need to employ specific strategies to reduce the disturbance caused by their child while ensuring their safety and comfort. Let’s understand together: How to deal with an autistic child screaming in public?
I. Reasons for autistic children screaming loudly
Autistic children may scream in public due to sensory abnormalities, communication barriers, emotional regulation difficulties, unmet needs, etc. They may feel physically uncomfortable or find it challenging to express their needs verbally, leading them to resort to screaming to seek attention.
II. How to handle autistic children screaming loudly?
1. Move to a quiet environment
Though finding a completely quiet place in public settings may be difficult, parents can initially take their child to a relatively quiet corner to keep them away from factors like noise, crowds that might overstimulate them.
2. Provide a sense of security
When the child screams, parents should remain calm and use gentle, comforting eye contact, tone to communicate with the child. Assure the child that you are there, you can take care of and support them.
3. Use soothing tools
When heading out, bring along items that the child likes, relies on, finds comforting, such as a small blanket, stuffed toys, etc. If the child starts screaming in public, parents can use these soothing objects to provide a sense of security, alleviate the child’s negative emotions.
4. Distract attention
During screaming episodes, parents can try simple interactions or toys, games that interest the child to divert their attention. For instance, singing nursery rhymes, word games, storytelling, etc., to help shift the child’s focus and emotions, reducing the intensity and duration of the screaming.
5. Avoid criticism
Screaming by autistic children might be their way of expressing discomfort. Parents should stay calm, avoid harsh criticism, understand the reasons behind the emotions patiently, provide comfort and support, reduce the child’s anxiety and discomfort.
Finally, when an autistic child screams, parents can use the above 5 methods to handle it. If the child’s emotions are hard to calm down, parents can explain the situation to people around, seek their understanding and forgiveness, thus alleviating anxiety and stress for both the child and the parent to a certain extent.
