Deborah Lipsky, Will Richards: Managing Meltdowns: Using the S.C.A.R.E.D Calming Technique with Children and Adults with Autism

Although “meltdowns” are not listed anywhere in the diagnostic criteria for autism, parents and professionals who work with individuals with autism know that they have an immense impact on daily functioning for a significant portion of the population. In “Managing Meltdowns: Using the S.C.A.R.E.D Calming Technique with Children and Adults with Autism” the authors offer guidance on how to respond to meltdowns in a manner that will de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible. They aptly define a “meltdown” as an “extreme emotional/behavioral response to stress or overstimulation (pp. 20),” and use the term “catastrophic reaction” interchangeably. The book is written by Deborah Lipsky, an adult with high-functioning autism, and Will Richards, a psychologist who specializes in autism. Together they provide their personal insights into understanding meltdowns and strategies for responding. It is narrated from Ms. Lipsky’s perspective and provides personal accounts resembling Temple Grandin’s descriptions of her experiences. There are no references to scientific papers, which is a testament both to the unfortunate lack of research on the topic and the authors’ intentions to share advice stemming from their real-world experiences. …