It was the neuropsych who actually confirmed my husband's idea to be firm with DS during his anxiety and meltdowns. The Neuro said because he's so intelligent you need to shut those things down or he'll use them to manipulate... to get out of situations he doesn't want to have to deal with, or work he doesn't want to do, whatever. Since we started being firm and blunt (and his teachers as well) his 'meltdowns' have basically disappeared!
I will say, he does take meds to help control his mood.. if he wasn't taking anything at all, I'm not sure we'd be as harsh/strict as we are, but we know his meds help keep the worst of the freaking out at bay, so his meltdowns are under his control.
