Case Study

From Meltdowns to Cooperation:How 4-Year-Old Sarah Learned New Ways to Communicate

A real story of transformation using relationship-based strategies and collaborative problem-solving

4 weeks

to see change

80%

fewer meltdowns

3 tools

implemented

The Challenge

Sarah, a bright and creative 4-year-old, was experiencing daily meltdowns that were affecting her entire family. Every transition—from playtime to meals, from home to preschool, from bath to bed—ended in tears, screaming, and sometimes aggression.

What Mom Shared:

  • "Getting dressed takes an hour every morning"
  • "She hits her little brother when frustrated"
  • "Leaving the park always ends in a meltdown"

What Teacher Noticed:

  • Difficulty moving between activities
  • Became upset when plans changed
  • Needed lots of warnings before transitions

The Investigation: What Was Getting in the Way?

Instead of focusing on the behavior, we looked deeper to understand what skills Sarah was missing and what was making transitions so difficult for her.

Discovery 1: Time Blindness

Sarah couldn't "feel" time passing. Five minutes and fifty minutes felt the same to her, making transitions feel sudden and unexpected.

Discovery 2: Difficulty with Flexibility

Once Sarah had a plan in her mind, shifting to something else felt overwhelming. Her brain needed more time to adjust to changes.

Discovery 3: Big Feelings, Few Words

Sarah experienced emotions intensely but didn't have the words to express her disappointment, frustration, or need for control.

"Once we understood what was hard for Sarah, we could teach the skills she was missing."

The Strategy: Building Skills Together

We created a plan that focused on teaching Sarah new skills while supporting her through transitions. Every strategy was practiced when she was calm, not during meltdowns.

1

Visual Schedule

Created a picture schedule showing the day's activities, giving Sarah predictability and control

2

Transition Warnings

Used a timer and "first/then" language: "First we finish playing, then we have snack"

3

Feeling Words

Taught emotion vocabulary and practiced saying "I'm disappointed" instead of melting down

Week-by-Week Implementation:

Week 1: Introduced visual schedule, practiced during calm moments
Week 2: Added timer warnings, celebrated small successes
Week 3: Taught feeling words through books and role-play
Week 4: Combined all strategies, adjusted based on what worked

The Results: Real Change in 4 Weeks

By focusing on skill-building rather than punishment, Sarah's family saw dramatic improvements that have lasted.

Immediate Changes (Week 1-2)

  • Sarah started checking her schedule independently
  • Meltdowns decreased from 5-6 daily to 2-3
  • Morning routine improved dramatically

Long-term Success (Week 3-4)

  • 80% reduction in daily meltdowns
  • Sarah could express feelings with words
  • Family outings became enjoyable again

"I have my daughter back. She's still strong-willed and spirited, but now she has tools to handle her big feelings. Our whole family is happier."

— Sarah's Mom

Tools That Made the Difference

Visual Schedule

Picture cards showing daily activities in order, allowing Sarah to see what comes next

Communication Scripts

Simple phrases for parents and teachers to use consistently during transitions

Calming Strategies

Deep breathing, counting, and a special calm-down space with sensory tools

Every Child's Story is Different

Sarah's success came from understanding her unique needs and building a plan specifically for her. Your child deserves the same individualized approach.

Free consultation • Evidence-based strategies • Ongoing support