Neurodiversity

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We are thrilled to introduce our brand-new monthly series, “What Would You Do?” Each month, we’ll present a unique scenario and invite you to consider how you would handle it.

This Month’s Scenario: Managing an Autistic Child’s Meltdown

Imagine you’re the manager of an attraction, and suddenly, an autistic child experiences a meltdown that disrupts other guests that embarrasses their family. One of the guests asks you, as the manager of the facility: “Aren’t you going to do something about this?”

What Would You Do?

As part of our commitment to fostering understanding and empathy, we encourage you to share your insights and creative solutions. Let’s learn from each other and create a more accessible and supportive environment for all our visitors.

Here are answers from three perspectives:

Talia Salem, Content Strategist, Ritz Carlton division of Marriott

I’ve been in this situation many times with my child. The first thing I do is try to survive the meltdown and keep her and others safe. I ask other people to please give us some space because sometimes during meltdowns there’s a lot of kicking and flailing of limbs. Sometimes at theme parks and other places with lines people are too close and are often in our space, which makes them at striking distance during a meltdown. I try not to place too many demands on my child and work with her to calm her nervous system through rocking, music, compressions or whatever works at the time. Then if needed (as often people make rude comments) I explain that my daughter has autism and struggles with impulse control, waiting in lines or whatever the case is. I’ve been able have some good conversations with people on occasion. Often though people stare like I have 5 heads and honestly I hate that. But I’m getting better at ignoring the stares and focusing on what my child needs to be safe and get calm in the moment and try to meet a need like a quiet space some food a drink a movement break etc.

Bartocz Czajka, Strategist, lecturer, Special Education teacher

Parents usually are able to anticipate a meltdown. So the focus should be on preparation and not on the actual meltdown. If that happens (you obviously cannot think of everything 😉 just communicate to other guests about autism-related circumstances and always have a quiet room available for the person(s) involved to get through the crisis

Jennifer Allen,

I’m going to second Talia from the mom perspective! Please just give us a moment, and a bit of space, to sort ourselves out. Getting involved may only escalate things. For the establishment, it would be a GIFT if employees had a basic understanding of what was happening. That may even give them the ability to field any questions that are coming at us from other guests.