Hello everyone. I pray you are well and in good spirits. Let’s get into it real quick–meltdowns! We have all seen it, we have all experienced it with our kiddos. But, can you tell the difference between a meltdown and a temper tantrum in an ASD child? It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between autistic meltdowns and tantrums in a typical child more or less in our ASD kids.
I can comfortably say that as a parent I have a hard time differentiating between the two when dealing with Jayson. Those that have been with SEG center for a while know I love definitions so here I go with a few more. A meltdown is defined as a breakdown of self-control as from fatigue or overstimulation. Simply put, it is an intense response to an overwhelming situation. A tantrum on the other hand, is an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration. Meltdowns and tantrums are similar in that they are both expressed in verbal (shouting, screaming, crying) or physical (kicking, lashing out or biting) ways.
Tantrum vs autistic meltdown
The thing we must remember as parents is that tantrums and meltdowns are NOT the same thing. A meltdown is not bad or naughty behavior. It is when a person is completely overwhelmed that it becomes difficult for them to express that in an appropriate way. Now think about that, it involves expression. How do children or adults with ASD “express” themselves when they are dealing with a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult, or for some impossible, for them to express themselves? How frustrating can that be? What can we do?
1. Anticipate a meltdown. ASD kids may show physical signs of anxiety such as pacing, rocking, or becoming very still.
2. Consider distractraction, diversions or calming strategies such as fiddling with toys, listening to music, removing potential triggers.
3. Give them some time to recover from sensory overload. Give them space. Turn off loud music and turn off bright lights.
4. Calmly ask them if they are ok. Reassure them that they are ok and they are safe.
5. Identity the cause of the meltdown and document it. You may notice meltdowns occur at
particular times or places or when something particular has happened.
6. Minimized triggers the best you can. Be aware of sensory needs.
7. Have a consistent routine in place. Inconsistency and unpredictability may lead to
meltdowns.
8. Develop strategies to manage anxiety. Incorporating relaxation times, stress balls,
listening to music, sensory stimuli, going to the gym, doing puzzles etc.
9. Utilizing visual support tools and technology for non-verbal children.
10. Stay calm yourself!
For Jayson, he loves head, shoulder and chin squeezes and of course jumping on his trampoline. Most times Jayson usually knows when he needs his sensory input when angry, however, those moments when they happen all of a sudden, he will quickly crab anyone’s arm to hit his head against it. I am so thankful to God now though because in the past, he used walls or edges of wood from tables or couches to injure himself just to feel “balance” or get out that frustration. I pray this brought some insight into the difference between meltdowns and tantrums.
Stay strong my friends!
With love,
M.J.