Executive-Function Meltdown vs Emotional Meltdown

An emotional meltdown and an executive-function meltdown look the same, but they need different responses.

A two-minute read, three things to try, for ages 5 to 13.

Where to start

Work out which kind of meltdown it is, because each needs a different response.
Stay calm for both; for an executive-function meltdown, also take some demands off your child.
Say: “Just do the first one when you’re ready.”

The rest of the tip, and why it works, is in the library.

Source

YoungMinds, parents’ guide to ADHD, on executive function and emotional regulation

It goes with

Neurodiversity, and the Conversation with the School. For parents whose child has been working harder and longer than other children to do things that come more easily to them.
Big Feelings and Co-Regulation. For parents whose child has just had a meltdown, on how to help them through it.

The first chapter you open here is free to read in full.

Free on this subject

Neurodiversity. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
ADHD. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.

The rest of the library

The Parent Book is a library written by therapists: chapters on the situations parents bring to our therapy rooms most often, quick tips for tonight, things to do together, and every sheet to print. One subscription opens all of it, from the day you join.

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If you need help right now

Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.