There are a great many things about being a parent to children with Autism that can be tough.  That being said, I think we could probably mostly agree that meltdowns would at least be towards the top of the list, if not the top of the list itself.  

We had a doozy of a meltdown this morning and you’ll never guess what it was over. 

Chopsticks… 

Both Elliott and Emmett came home with chopsticks yesterday. Many of you are probably already cringing and others won’t understand why this is such a problem. 

Let me say it like this.. 

Chopsticks are frustrating for people who are actually coordinated enough to use them.  I got frustrated trying to learn how to use them so I could teach Emmett. 

Giving a child with some major motor skill deficits,  add in an almost zero tolerance for frustration and a compulsory need for perfection, chopsticks, you’re setting up perfect conditions for a massive meltdown. 

Massive meltdowns we did have.  Elliott just gave up on using the chopsticks because it was too hard but Emmett doesn’t like failing at anything.  

Taking the chopsticks away set him off and yet letting him continue to try was like pouring gasoline on a fire.  

It took quite some time for him to move on from this and he did eventually manage to eat some noodles with his chopsticks but it was a very unpleasant experience for all involved. 

What’s the strangest thing your child has had a meltdown over?