In my experience, the only way to handle meltdowns is to prevent them in the first place.
And yes, that does mean totally re-arranging your life. And yes, it's a major challenge to do so.
The rages are more likely related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) than to childhood bi-polar. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) kids do best with absolute consistency. Bed time the same seven days a week. Breakfast, lunch and supper at the same time, seven days a week. Be prepared to pull out of new experiences if he gets overwhelmed. Learn how to see him getting overwhelmed before he gets to meltdown - there are signs, but sometimes not obvious unless you know what to look for.
The approaches that work for parenting most kids, do not work with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) kids. Fortunately, neurotypical kids seem to do just fine with the approaches that work for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) kids.
Do you have support outside of your nuclear family? Uncles and aunts, grandparents, older cousins - people who can help share the load, both with this kid, and to give your other kids a break?
