1. When I feel powerless

   Feeling powerless is something I experience often because I rely on others for many daily activities. Like any young child, I want to explore, make choices, and be independent. When I can't, I may become anxious or frustrated.
   My distress often begins with teeth grinding and repetitive speech. If I don't get relief, those behaviors can escalate. My family has found that keeping me engaged and giving me appropriate choices or a sense of control often helps prevent a meltdown.

2. When I have frequent dystonia episodes

   Dystonia can make me uncomfortable and frustrated. You can help by changing my position, placing me on a mat if needed, or referring to the My Dystonia page for strategies. Sometimes the best thing we can do is wait for the episode to pass—and that's okay.

3. When I feel unengaged

   Not every group activity is accessible to me, but I still want to be included. If an activity isn't a good fit, can you help me participate in another way? Finding ways to keep me engaged despite my physical limitations helps me stay happy and connected.

• I grind my teeth when I'm anxious or excited.

• I chew on nearby objects to seek sensory input.

• I may spit out my food.

• I bump my head against my headrest.

• I push objects off my tray when I'm not supposed to.

• My dystonia or hypotonia may become more noticeable.

• I raise my voice and repeat the same words or phrases.

• Stay ahead of my emotions by keeping me engaged.

• First, try to understand what's causing my behavior before redirecting my energy.

• If possible, remove me from the source of frustration and give me some supervised space.

• Use short, clear, and direct language.

• Focus on positive reinforcement instead of punishment.

What Motivates Me

• Encouragement: Praise means even more when it comes from my peers.

• Treats: I love Kit Kats.

• Videos: Letting me watch one of my favorite videos after I complete a task is a great motivator.

Tell me not only what you expect from me, but also what I can look forward to when I succeed.

If I'm Still Struggling

• Reevaluate your approach and adjust as needed.

• If my behavior doesn't improve, try limiting attention to the behavior itself while continuing to support me.

• Be prepared—it may get worse before it gets better.

• Acknowledge my efforts, even if my progress is small.

• Give me supervised choices whenever possible, like letting me pick the next activity.

• Help me be patient by staying patient yourself. Speak calmly, positively, and reassuringly.

🚫 Do not use corporal punishment.

🚫 Do not take away my mobility as a form of discipline.

🚫 Do not leave me unsupervised.

🚫 Do not speak to me harshly.

🚫 Do not isolate me from my peers as a consequence of my behavior.

🚫 Do not withhold meals because of my behavior. Instead, use small treats as positive incentives when appropriate.

🚫 Do not give attention to inappropriate language. Stay calm, redirect me, and reinforce positive communication instead.