AUTISM MELTDOWNS | PARENTING AN AUTISTIC CHILD

[@hatzhatz5410]

Thank you for this vlog, I remember one melt down my lad had, we were in a shopping centre and it was very busy, and he hadn't had much sleep the night before and he just got to the point where he couldn't cope anymore. I ended up with him sat screaming on the floor, security crowding round me as it didn't look a good situation and trying to calm him by myself! Thankfully after a good hour, a countless stares of dissaprovement I did eventually get control of the situation but it took it out of me. I thanked the security staff for there "protection" and they both said we have autistic children and knew exactly what was happening!

[@MissChuffer93]

Love this series ! I was once in a que with my little one at a theme park and it was too much for him now the que was only 7 minutes but he was sat on the floor ripping his finger nails out and screaming at the time he was not fully diognosed so I did not realise there were systems in place for this situation and the staff on the ride called a supervisor over and asked if it was possible for us to have exit passes which in this park allows you to que at the exit away from everybody we were so greatful for the staff spotting us and getting us what we needed because we were so close to writing the day off !! These passes improved our day greatly !

[@ratskelll]

I love that fit analogy! And reminding people that he's struggling. I might have to use the fit one at school next time I have one and people start judging me or making fun of me. Thank you for a beautiful, informative video. Although I have meltdowns that are implosive rather than explosive which I know is a lot less common (becoming somewhat catatonic, unresponsive, maybe being unable to control my muscles including bladder, maybe not being able to eat or talk for a while after, not being able to talk during, dissociation...) so people struggle to understand that it's a meltdown too

[@quizmandan95]

Just referring to the question about children being made aware of disabilities. I've worked in a mainstream primary school for three years, supporting children with autism for most of that period. I've found that actually, kids are amazingly accepting with other children who are either autistic or have other learning needs. There's no judgement or exclusion. There could be more done to educate them maybe when they're a bit older and can understand it more but like you say, the differences can be so vast that it would be difficult to implement. I really am enjoying this series!

[@jasondrury5106]

Good topic Kevin, hope it makes the freaks, who get a kick out of it, realise the difficulties with meltdowns, and not just something funny

[@gabeangel8104]

As someone struggling both to understand my own experience as an autistic person and to explain it to others, this is the clearest explanation of the difference between a meltdown and a temper tantrum and was really helpful, thank you.

[@oliviaelliott1333]

Love this series!! Please keep making these :)

[@matsecklund1501]

How’s Andy’s doctor described how Prozac works is pretty accurate. The anxious thoughts remain-thoughts like everyone has-but the disproportionate reaction is removed. Glad that it’s helped Andy. Im a big advocate of ssri’s for people with bad anxiety like myself

[@ThePathOfLeastResistanc]

They made my asd anxious kiddo worse

[@itsemxoxo]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m only 19 and still learning with my brother after becoming his carer three years ago. You give the best advice and thank you for including my question! X

[@isobelstaines3897]

I work a lot in Autism and you guys do an amazing job with Andy, I see a lot of bad practises unfortunately but you guys have such a happy happy boy and when it all comes too overwhelming for him, you handle it amazingly. WELL DONE, YOU and ANNA ARE BRILLIANT (incase no one has told you recently) x

[@lucyallen1976]

When I was 8 a boy with autism came into my class at first I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect but when I met him we instantly became friends and he inspired me to want to go on to work with children with disability’s and these videos really help me learn more and understand what to do thanks

[@Becks418]

I went on different medications before one actually helped make my anxiety lessen. I have never been able to go to school properly or college or uni but thanks to hard work and medications I have just completed college and am going to uni in September :). I love that Andy seems better since the first meltdown video it is great seeing him at school and going out places and enjoying it too, keep up the hard work both of you!

[@justarainyday739]

This is a great series to spread awareness and tips for parents. Loving it :)

[@Harry-ts8vj]

I had a melt down at the bus stop by the hospital because my bus was late and there was a helicopter landing so the alarm was going of for that the helicopter was so loud and this lady came put her arm around my should to ask if I was allright and that was it I fell to the fall and when my bus came the driver saw me and came out and carmed me down he is the best buss drive in the word.

[@wanderingarchive8998]

Preity McG that is just an amazing story WOW the person's in the story are really fantastic :-)

[@Harry-ts8vj]

Birthe Kjær Fan Yea he's my bus driver I see him 3 times a week

[@edgarallanpoestheblackcat6613]

Preity McG How old were you then?

[@Harry-ts8vj]

@@edgarallanpoestheblackcat6613 15

[@edgarallanpoestheblackcat6613]

I'm surprised no one made fun of you for that or put you on youtube.

[@adamtomkins4147]

I had a meltdown at church once because my grandad had just passed and I felt really overwhelmed by everything.

[@xdisax]

Just a tip for if Andy ever manages to bite anyone as badly as you described him doing to Anna once (and for anyone reading this who has a child or supports someone who is prone to biting), pushing your arm or whatever area the person has a grip on further into or towards their mouth actually works a lot better than trying to pull away, as it puts pressure on the lower jaw and therefore loosens the grip. Of course you have to be careful not to do it too hard so the person doesn’t get hurt.

[@speakingthetruthmedia9385]

Great advice Kev!

[@sandygeasa9995]

I have had some really wonderful grocery store employees help when my child was having a difficult time. One guy went to the back and brought her back bubble wrap. A lady florist went and blew up one of those expensive balloons and gave it to her. Thankyou to those that understand we can't stay prisoner at home. The more trips out the better we learn to cope.❤

[@Katyestella63]

I am a 54 year old autistic adult (diagnosed with ASD in 2014) and I have meltdowns more than I am older probably due to combination of fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety. My meltdowns are more severe when I am at home which is due to frustration with equipment and due to my anxiety. I get very agitated in busy places, supermarkets, buses, shopping centres and visiting familiar places. When I out with my autism Intu wrist band when I went to a Intu Shopping centre which caused me a great deal of distress even though I had my support worker with me, the shopping assistant did not see my autism Intu wrist band. Shopping centres and supermarket do not recognise that autistic adults have sensory needs as well as autistic children. I have very severe sensory sensitivities to artificial light, back ground noises, crowds etc and I have stopped going to shopping centres and supermarkets.

[@asevern22]

This was really helpful where waiting for my nephew to have his test to see where on the spectrum he is he’s 4 at the moment so glad your channel popped up on my feed

[@AutismDadda]

Great video Kev! Meltdown talk and videos are always needed I’m learning more and more. Something we can all relate to but also a reminder that we are not alone when our child has a hulk like one! Ha thanks for sharing!

[@beckysloan1377]

Another great video Kevin.

[@snowy.ethereal]

When I was little, I had a lot of meltdowns, my parents didn’t know I had autism back then as I wasn’t developmentally delayed or had any significant behavioural problems. Even now my dad refuses to believe I’m autistic (but he is also an abusive ass). They thought that my meltdowns were tantrums and I’d always be punished for crying or screaming or wanting alone time, which has caused me quite bad PTSD. I’m 18 now and suffer from severe mental health issues. If my parents knew and understood my autism as a child, maybe I wouldn’t be like this. ;-;

[@ffionroberts2778]

Great video, really helpful

[@rubberduck302]

Lighting is great kev keep it up m8

[@1fj768]

Fantastic thank you

[@kylecarroll2247]

Andy army

[@adamtomkins4147]

A topic for next time could be how he handles being poorly or injured. Does he understand that it won't last forever and medicine doesn't work the second you take it? Have you ever thought about what would happen if he had to be hospitalized for several days?

[@mattstanley8880]

I had my 1st meltdown in a really long time on Friday after a altercation at work. So I knew if I lost the plot, then I would be in trouble, even would have meltdown’s on football manager. Although I’m fine with FM. I maintain losing the plot if someone bugs me. Nowadays I’m mostly fine but capable of losing it at any time ☹️☹️☹️.

[@broken_clout9382]

Liking the New Setup!

[@LeahFrancesM]

In my school we have P.S.H.E where we learn about disability’s and other stuff in life that they don’t teach us in other lessons

[@djbrock7268]

This was really informative video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can definitely relate with the whole "Am I (or the people I know) really embarrassed about this?" or "Will I be made fun of?" Kind of like feeling like a doofus or something...? I guess it is what it is though. It seems like medication really made Andy cope a bit better and somewhat made him more mature in a way. I totally agree with that misconception of the Autism population (and other special needs people) of just being a brat or temper tantrumming, I find that super annoying though. I'm definitely starting to love these videos but also miss the normal vlogs, nothing against it though! I think you may or may not have done a vid on this but what is your take on OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) combined with Autism? If you have done it, maybe I can somehow find the video again? Thanks very much! 💙✌🏾️

[@razzinho17]

25 min vid? Yes pls

[@ProGamer-dz1sz]

Yep. I seen them all mate I rly appreciate u kev

[@nicky.71]

the new camera looks so nice

[@WOOLY-vr8vo]

Nice one. 👋🏻

[@crazycat1166]

Does Andy ever talk to himself in 3rd person during a meltdown? Someone I spopprt will say things to himself like "you're in trouble now, look what you did, you'll be going to bed now" immediately afterwards and I just wondered if that's a common thing for people with autism? I believe the person I support is repeating things that were said to him in the past (he grew up in an institution - we would be never even consider punishment for meltdowns that are beyond his control) Great informative video by the way

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

He usually refers to himself in the third person, but says Andy rather you.

[@crazycat1166]

Kevin Chapman that's interesting. I've noticed him doing it during vlogs but wasn't sure if he did the same during meltdowns. For the person I support the 3rd person speaking increases a lot during a meltdown

[@jaimereynolds258]

Luckily, my son has not had one in about 6 months. It didn't last long, but was pretty bad. Put a dent in the wall by slamming his head into it. When I believe one is about to happen, I try to distract him really quickly. Seems to be working. Last thing he wants to hear during a meltdown, is my voice. He will yell or hit the wall if I say anything. They used to last for hours. Now maybe 15-20 minutes.

[@wheelchairssmiles5678]

Hi Kevin how are you doing today? My name is Sarah I have a question is does your daughters help with Andy’s if they do what to do to help, and does it help, My meltdowns include Being cheeky a lot of the time. Kicking. Baiting. swearing. Self harming. Screaming. Loss of control. Asking why a lot. Listening to calming music for example music with the word help in it for example in my blood, My mum and dad just look at me helplessly 24:05

[@danieloneill6375]

Kevin! Those pop figures. 😍 also you are both awesome parents

[@Truly_Holly]

hey im autistic too and meltdowns are very weird he has it differently then me when i had a meltdown i just curled up into a ball and didnt respond to anyone or i would punch and kick people now i have learnt how to manage my meltdowns and have found coping mechanisms and i just wonted to tell you this because it does get better it wont be like that forever and if you need any extra support i would suggest going to CAMs because not only would they help andy but they help you and talk to you and ways to support him sorry if i was accidentally rude or didnt spellings right i dont realise that i do it

[@jodistewart4452]

How old was Andy when he had his is first meltdown

[@stevenbuell5387]

??? Where is there support groups here in Pensacola FL???

[@minefarmtruckgame4509]

Meltdowns for me only stop once I run out of the energy have no strength or I get the thing back or gone. Plus I had a surprise to a theme park and as I didn’t know where I was going and had a meltdown in the car all the way so now I am told where I am going. So sometimes you learn how to help stop your meltdowns from them. Plus my school and my year don’t understand I hate school right now as I am targeted so they can get a meltdown out of me and I hate it when I’m starting to have one I can’t try to get away as they chase me so when something happens at school I find there 10 times worse. My school don’t care either that they do that. It’d be great if kids were taught about autism especially.

[@izzystuart1181]

I am part of an autism family. My sister has autism and she can’t speak

[@lozzywatson0351]

I could be a little autistic but I mostly have mental health problems and I have meltdowns sometimes

[@ligavasara-brakmane4051]

The many views are also due to the fact that KZbin recommends those meltdown videos if you search for autism related videos. That is how I found your vlog. KZbin recommended the meltdown video and I stayed for more.

[@colleenc1993]

Hi, I’m 24 & have Autism & anxiety. When we got a dog it’s helped me loads & when I went on medication that helped to 😀👍 I cry & shout then go & put my sensory lights on

[@andrewwilson6046]

Respectfully, especially as Andy has now reached his teenage years, how do you know if he is having a 'meltdown' or a temper tantrum?

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

Because we know him, and we can tell when he’s in control and when he’s not

[@jimbobo.a.u.9518]

Hi Kev. Sorry if this has been asked before but what age was Andy when he started talking? I have a little boy who is about to be assessed but isnt talking yet. I only just seen your video of Andy's early years.

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

He started using limited words around 3/4 but didn’t use sentences until the last few years

[@jimbobo.a.u.9518]

Thanks! Its reassuring to know it can still happen later in life. You and Anna are doing a brilliant job!

[@ThePathOfLeastResistanc]

Why does no one talk about the abuse us parents are subjected to and how to handle that because it gets quite exhausting. I understand they can’t control it but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t effect us parents who do everything for them and love them. What about us?

[@eilidhstrachan3522]

Do you know this video gave me an interesting insight into autistic meltdowns and how they work

[@norrisnutsfan6953]

My brother has autism and he is 14

[@jorjialamb99]

u didnt answer my question about why cant Andy naked in his room

[@lesleylaurence6056]

Jorjia Lamb, because he would defecate ( poo) in his hands and smear it over the floor and walls

[@jamesorr9168]

I haven't watched many videos on this channel, but I really do like it, but I need to know one thing, because in the video you said, ''when I met Andy 6 years ago,'' and I'm wondering if you adopted Andy? I'm a little embarrassed to ask because of the topic of this video. Thank you.

[@lesleylaurence6056]

James Orr, Anna lived with Andy in Nottingham, 6 years ago. Kevin met Anna and then met Andy and they all moved in with Kev who lives in Lincolnshire. Hope that answered your question x

[@Username_not_found__try_again]

Love Andy

[@anniehamshaw-thomas1862]

sassy rubins don't be so ignorant - these videos are enormously helpful and informative in educating the general public about autism

[@reshma8935]

i think i can help what to do is you can teach him better english and show him expression im only a 13 year old kid but i hope this helps

[@deadlydemon2605]

Keep the subscribe and like thing at the start of each video

[@urban_monkey_uk1886]

hello Kevin you are a amazing step dad to Andy keep up the amazing work if I could give anything you want from your wishlist I would but money's low at the moment but I would get you the stuff that's on your wish list and can you please like this and pin this comment please i also am autistic it would mean the world to me

[@gaming_general9681]

I had a meltdown

[@Beeboyjack]

Poor him

[@makenziedalehorton9053]

I love his meltdowns he is so cute when he has them

[@greenhulkhulk3348]

Any chance u could do gaming vids also

[@kevinchapmanvlog]

I have a gaming channel! The link is in the description.

[@greenhulkhulk3348]

Kevin Chapman cheers

[@LeeLeelovesdisney]

Hey Kevin Chapman can we be friends on KZbin

[@liammoss9952]

He’s adopted???

[@kalebhenderson]

Gy

[@noe-vq9gv]

I keep getting distracted by all the bobble heads behind Kevin.....

[@michelle360kpop]

ACE HOLLOW they're not bobble heads they're Pop collectible figures.

[@lewisparkinson3550]

What bobble heads

[@noe-vq9gv]

Michelle Kitchens sorry....

[@noe-vq9gv]

Miss Amy lou Parkinson the thingys behind him

[@michelle360kpop]

ACE HOLLOW no no don't be sorry you didn't know :) it's all good