Incredible results

I needed to put on a show for my nephew he has issues regarding hyper stimulation and I wanted to help him calm down prior to meals and bedtime. , Now I know what your thinking this would do the opposite of what I've just stated, it didn't and I'll explain why. 

Everytime he gets excited or anxious he becomes hyperactive, his brothers and sister can control their excitement and obviously calm down after laughing at something funny on a DVD or joke I said. From pin the tail on the donkey to learning times tables anything can trigger his meltdown. (Yes I mean a proper medical meltdown) he's autistic and he struggles day to day. So I decided to put my problem solving mind to work and I watched and listened over the course of a day. Helping him where I could holding him lovingly when I couldn't then an idea unfurled and the start of my idea blossomed. 

I made the very best way I could a  makeshift puppet theatre. (These were bought to replace the others in bright colours we had for bonfire night so I could provide him with a way of being a firework without the bangs) 

So I thought what if I was asking him questions whilst counting and moving battery tea lights around in a black box so he has no choice but to stop and watch whilst he concentrates on the lights?! It really worked and fast I amazed myself! He went from 1000mph with screaming and crying to sat on the floor answering my questions in no time at all. It brought him to a calm standstill helping him process what was overwhelming to him without stress screaming and tantrums. It was magical.

I have since been on the lookout for others in different single colours so I can categorised them from letters and numbers so he can further discuss and problem solve with me. It's awesome to see a distraught little lad compose himself and develop coping strategies in a controlled situation. I hope he'll progress to cope by himself but for now I'll take the win it's leaps and bounds in progress to what it was 10 days ago