How do you teach calming strategies?

It seems our OT is trying to teach Jonah calming strategies (ie various yoga “poses”) that he can do when he’s anxious or having a meltdown.

(If you remember, Jonah is autistic and mostly nonverbal and will do things like peel his skin or become aggressive or destructive when he’s escalated)

But in these moments of escalation, asking him to “give himself a hug” or “take a deep breath” seems like I’m only piling on more “tasks” for him when he’s already stressed out.

“I know you are out of ‘spoons’ but I need you to also do this thing to help you calm down.”

He won’t do it. Just ASKING him actually makes it worse.

It feels like I’m gaslighting him and not actually addressing his anxiety.

It’s like I’m pouring gasoline onto a fire.

Suggestions?

#ausome

Original Facebook Post.