Many individuals with developmental disabilities have meltdowns when they lose control and seem immune to reasoning. Having consistent rules and consequences for such behavior is important, yet there are times when such traditional discipline seems ineffective. When consistent discipline is not enough, we need to understand why these difficult moments continue.

This presentation is designed to:

1. Help caretakers manage their own emotions so they can help their clients manage theirs,

2. Learn ways to de-escalate a meltdown in the moment, and

3. Understand how to create an effective plan to prevent future meltdowns.

Part of any plan involves teaching coping skills to handle the demands of life. Key components of effective skills training will be identified. Participants will have the opportunity to problem solve the challenges they are experiencing with their clients.

Learning Objectives

● Learn how to identify and modify your perceptions of the clients you serve in order to manage your own feelings.

● Learn techniques to de-escalate out-of-control emotional reactions in your clients.

● Understand how to identify triggers to meltdowns and create an effective prevention plan.

● Identify the key components to teaching clients coping and social skills.

Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, a private organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems.  He is on the professional advisory board of ASPEN, YAI, the Kelberman Center and several other autism organizations. In addition, he writes, lectures, and provides training internationally on the topic of social skills training and managing challenging behaviors.  He is an award winning author of five books, including Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome and Social Communication Problems; Preparing for Life: The Complete Handbook for the Transition to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome; The Social Skills Picture Book; The Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond; and No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior. His work has also been featured on ABC World News, Nightline, the CBS Early Show, Fox News, and the Discovery Channel.