Jed Baker

Baker breaks down the skills needed to deal with children's emotional meltdowns into understandable steps and suggestions. This book was suggested by Amazon based on my purchase of "Managing Meltdowns", however this book doesn't deal specifically with autistic children. As I read through it, I could see that it would be a very good resource for a friend who is a foster parent for troubled youth.
His listing of possible triggers is very thorough, and does include some aspects that are show more definitely triggers for autistic people, e.g. sensory stimulation, although when he goes into more detail he focuses on triggers that are not the most common for autistics (demands, waiting, wanting attention, threats to self-image). His listing of consequences or results (why the child continues to do the behavior) also gets us to think of more than that they end up getting their own way. Most of his approaches include dealing with the child's false assumptions, educating the child about the way people learn or interact. Most of the situations don't sound that serious (compared to the aggressive outbursts I've dealt with), but are probably more common for parents of neurotypical children. show less

No More Meltdowns by Jed Baker, Ph.D., Carol Stock Kranowitz
Positive Strategies for Dealing with and Preventing Out of Control Behavior

2008
Parenting
Non fiction

I received a digital copy of this book for review via NetGalley and publisher Future Horizons Inc.

Although published in 2008, the information remains applicable today in its approach to dealing with children who experience emotional outbursts. The author has developed a four-step approach to preventing the out of control behavior. show more Although nothing is guaranteed, the book does provide useful advice for adults as his recommendations are focused on understanding the child’s difficulties.

His book is based on his evaluation of research on the function of brain cells with challenges abstract thinking. These challenges with abstract thinking can lead to inflexibility due to inability to see another person’s perspective. He explains how adjusting ones expectations can help develop and maintain a positive relationship with the child.

Before we can develop and maintain a positive relationship with our child we must address some key issues. He explains how controlling our own frustrations can help our child feel competent and avoid “learned helplessness” and avoid constant power struggles. show less

This book is a great resource for teachers. It addresses a variety of skills individuals with autism likely need to work on and can be easily adapted/modified to meet the needs of all students. The text is straight to the point so students do not become distracted with details that are not relevant to the skills.

Offers parents and teachers strategies for preventing and managing meltdowns. Offers a 4 step model to improve the everyday relationships with between parents and teachers with their children: managing your own emotions by adjusting your expectations; learning strategies to calm a meltdown when it happens; understanding why a meltdown occurs; and creating plans to prevent future meltdowns.

Review from a Pines borrower: "Very well-written in clear language and enriched with real examples. show more However, it doesn't go far enough to explain and deal with some of the more complex and bizarre behaviours of autistic children". show less