If your autistic child drops to the floor when they are distressed or angry then you are not alone, it is quite common.

Below we delve into the behaviour and give you some tips on how to manage it. Feel free to jump to any section via the following links.

Autism and throwing themselves on the floor

We all know that raising an autistic child can be incredibly rewarding but it can also be extremely challenging.

Autism is a complex condition in that every child is unique but at the same time there are often themes of behaviour.

Some parents in our position encounter situations that may seem puzzling or concerning to outsiders.

One such behaviour that some autistic children may exhibit when they are overwhelmed by anger or distress is dropping to the floor.

In this article, we dive into this behaviour with zero judgment, just hopefully offering some insight and ideas.

We will try to help you understand why your child may resort to this coping mechanism, and give you a few tips on how to deal with it.

Every child has different challenges and needs but here are some possible contributing factors.

Sensory Overload

Sometimes it is helpful to imagine being in our children’s shoes for a moment.

Once there, picture yourself in a noisy, crowded environment where the lights are too bright, and every sound feels amplified.

For an autistic child, such situations can be incredibly overwhelming due to sensory processing differences.

When the inputs become too intense, autistic kids may struggle to process and regulate their emotions.

This is a pathway towards to feelings of distress or anger.

Dropping to the floor can be a way for them to seek comfort and shield themselves from the massive overload they are experiencing.

Communication

It is well known that many autistic children have difficulty expressing their emotions and needs verbally.

When they feel frustrated or upset, they may lack the words to properly explain their feelings or what they are experiencing.

If you actually place yourself in their shoes it is actually understandable for this to be frustrating.

Consequently, dropping to the floor can become a nonverbal form of communication.

In a way it is an expression of distress or a method to communicate that they need a break from the current situation.

Handling Emotions

Regulating emotions can be especially difficult for autistic children.

While many neurotypical kids may have coping mechanisms to deal with strong emotions, autistic children may have a more limited range of strategies to manage their feelings.

Dropping to the floor could be almost like an instinct when they are struggling to cope with the intensity of their emotions.

Desperation For Predictability

Children on the autism spectrum often thrive in environments with predictable routines and familiarity.

Unexpected changes or disruptions to their routines can trigger feelings of anxiety and stress.

Dropping to the floor may serve as a way to create a familiar and stable physical connection to the ground.

In what may seem alien to parents, to them it may provide a sense of security during moments of uncertainty.

Coping Mechanism

For some autistic children, dropping to the floor might be a self-soothing mechanism.

By grounding themselves physically, they may be attempting to calm their nervous system.

Also it allows them to regain a sense of control over their emotions.

Being Difficult

While the life of an autistic child may differ in a number of ways from the neurotypical, they can have parallels also.

Dropping to the floor is a tactic which neurotypical children also employ when they are distressed or resistant.

Yes your autistic child’s behaviour may be more regular and as a result of autism related challenges.

But it is important to remember that many children exhibit this form of protest.

What to do when your autistic child drops to the floor

Naturally like most people turning to the internet, you will want to find ways to prevent and manage this behaviour. Here are some things to consider;

Identify triggers

Once the episode has passed take some notes documenting where and when the behaviour took place.

What you will want to do is look for consistent themes such as time since last meal, time since last nap or the sensory inputs present.

Armed with this information you can try and predict, prepare and prevent the behaviour in advance.

Stay calm

When your autistic child drops to the floor, try to remain calm and patient.

Reacting with frustration or anger might escalate their distress further. Instead, provide a calm and understanding presence.

Some parents have found success from just sitting down with them. Of course you may get some looks from passers by but it may bring an episode to close quickly.

Have a distraction

Having a sensory toy such as these from Amazon at the ready may be wise.

Sensory toys can be used to nip an episode in the bud or prevent it from starting in the first place.

Your child will have their own preferences but keeping one tucked away in case of emergency may be helpful.

Shield them from sensory input

If you believe that it is sensory factors leading to the behaviour you can try to shield them from these inputs.

Additions such as ear defenders or even kids sunglasses can help your child feel more comfortable.

Work on communication

If communication blockers are leading to this behaviour, don’t rule out alternative methods to communicate.

Options such as emotion cards or general communication cards can be a game changer for some families.

Bring in the experts

Consult with a pediatrician or a therapist who specialises in autism spectrum disorders.

They can provide valuable insights and suggest strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Failing that you could reach out to forums and social media asking for tips and help. Feel free to share this article as hopefully it could help others.

Summary – Autistic child drops to the floor

Dropping to the floor when angry or distressed is a complex behaviour with a deeply rooted purpose for autistic children.

By showing empathy and understanding, parents can create an environment where these behaviours are minimised.

Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and seeking support from other parents of autistic children or support groups can be tremendously beneficial.

Parents with similar struggles can help navigate challenges and celebrate the joys of raising a child on the autism spectrum.

Good luck.