Freedom from Meltdowns

Dr. Thompson's Solutions for Children with Autism

Author: Travis Thompson, Ph.D.
K-12
Expert advice for frontline professionals on the most distressing aspects of living or working with children with autism.

• Product Details
• Table of Contents
• Reviews
• Contributors
• Free Resources

Daily meltdowns and tantrums are one of the biggest challenges of life with autism and related disorders—they have a devastating impact on children with autism and their whole families. Now there's a book with all the expert advice front-line professionals and parents need to understand meltdowns, stop them before they start, and improve quality of life for entire families. Travis Thompson, the voice of authority on autism and behavior, channels his 40 years of experience working with children and families into a long-awaited how-to guide that helps readers

• understand how other disorders and health conditions—such as anxiety, sleep disorders, OCD, ADHD, and mental health problems—contribute to meltdowns in children with autism
• pinpoint events that trigger a meltdown—and prevent those triggers from escalating
• use Functional Behavioral Assessment to uncover behavior patterns and develop effective intervention plans
• improve communication skills so children can find positive ways to express themselves and get their needs met
• create physical environments that facilitate learning and reduce distraction and confusion
• work sensitively with families from diverse cultural backgrounds
• discover specific ways to prevent meltdowns in school and other public settings
• get insight into why children self-injure and what can be done to help them stop

Clear and practical enough to pick up and use right away, this book is filled with simple tips and strategies that really work, anecdotes from the author's extensive personal experience, and case studies that illustrate constructive and unconstructive ways to deal with familiar behavior issues. This eye-opening, problem-solving guide puts freedom from meltdowns within reach for everyone who works with or cares for a child with autism—and puts children on the path to success in school, at home, and in the community.

Reviews

: The Midwest Book Review - California Bookwatch - January 1, 2010
"Packs in tips, strategies, and anecdotes from the author's case studies and personal experience and is a fine, practical guide."

: Blue Cross Blue Shield You and Blue (MN) - October 1, 2009
author Q&A and mention of Meltdowns

: Parentlife - August 1, 2009
listing only

Stacy Danov, University of Minnesota - July 24, 2009
"I would highly recommend this comprehensive, remarkable book! I have read many books about children having meltdowns, but this book provided the most straightforward, logical, scientifically proven strategies for both professionals and parents."

: About.com: Special Needs Children - May 1, 2009
http://specialchildren.about.com/od/behaviorbooks/gr/meltdowns.htm

Emily Lagace, family physician and parent of two children with autism spectrum disorder - September 17, 2008
"Gives families information that is an essential part of their toolkit for coping with meltdowns. I am glad to see a book that puts so much important information in one place, not oversimplified but still readable, with enough detail to help in many different situations."

Rande Peyton, mother of a 6 yr old with Autism - September 17, 2008
"Dr. Thompson, the autism guru, provides an all-encompassing book on meltdowns which is sure to please both caregivers and professionals."

Laraine M. Glidden, Professor of Psychology, St. Mary's College of Maryland - September 17, 2008
"An invaluable resource for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to help reduce challenging behavior in children and adults with autism and related disorders . . . [Travis Thompson] teaches all of us best practice."

Judith Carta, Senior Scientist and Professor of Special Education, University of Kansas - September 17, 2008
"A terrific book for parents and professionals alike! Captures the explosion in scientific knowledge about autism, conveyed in a style that is easy to understand."

Rachel Freeman, Associate Research Professor and Director of the Kansas Institute for Positive Behavior Support, University of Kansas - September 17, 2008
"Travis Thompson has the unique ability to take research from different fields of study and to summarize the findings in practical ways that parents, teachers, and practitioners can understand and appreciate. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about supporting children with autism."

Susan Moreno, Founder and President of MAAP Services for the Autism Spectrum; editor, The MAAP; parent of a woman with autism - September 17, 2008
"If only this book had been there for me to read when my daughter was young and having almost daily meltdowns! Dr. Thompson leads us into one of the most challenging issues in autism spectrum challenges and makes it understandable, treatable, and preventable."