MELTDOWNS VS TANTRUMS - YES THEY ARE DIFFERENCE

 

Austic kids have temper tantrums just like neuro typical kids.....

Austic kids also experience sensory meltdowns.....

So is there a difference  between the tantrums and meltdowns?

How does  one know the difference between the two ? ??????

How should meltdowns be handled? ?????????

How should tantrums be handled???????????????

AUSTIC KIDS can experience both TANTRUMS and MELTDOWNS. 

So it is very important for parents,  caregivers and teachers to understand both !!!!
 
The root causes of a meltdown are difference from those of a tantrum.  Meltdowns are more complex. They are not intentional and can be unpredictable.  Tantrums on the other hand are a bit easier to understand.  Let's take a look at 
both.

LETS LOOK AT  MELTDOWNS  FIRST

 
Meltdowns are an involuntary  responses to sensory or emotionals. The child is overwhelmed. 
 
Sensory meltdowns are  caused by over-stimulation of the senses and inability to self-regulate. 
 
Emotional meltdowns occur when someone is overwhelmed by their present situation and temporarily loses control of  themselves and their behaviour. 
 
Meltdowns are the physical manifestations of chaos and are  maybe interpreted as a threat the person's life. A person's in fight or flight mode is the perfect example. Meltdowns are not Behavioral Responses ( there is no motivate behind them) and for the most part aren't used to get a specific outcome. 
 
Meltdowns can cause a loss of control verbally and a loss of control physically.  
 
The verbal and physical symptoms of meltdowns are may look like a  tantrums but the are different.
 

Meltdowns can be triggered by many things - 

bright lights, strong smells, busy places ,crowds ,change in  routine , unannounced family visits, and  canceled plans . Meltdowns can also happen if  needs like hunger, thirst, or pain are not satisfied. 
 

When a person with autism has a meltdown it can be more traumatic.  If the person is non - verbal, has cognitive issues or has trouble with social interaction it may intensify the meltdown.  

 
It is a good  idea for caregivers to check with their local police department about registering their loved one on the autism registry.  You can give the police department information about the autistic person in your life, and if there is ever an incident involving that person it's documented that they have autism.  That knowledge helps police officers in those situations.  
 

HANDLING MELTDOWNS -

Have a plan to de-escalate autism sensory and emotional meltdowns. The following are just a few suggestions.

1. Identify and remove triggers 

     Make notes aabout certain triggers, if noise is a                  trigger be prepared to leave a noisy environment.                Bring noise canceling headphones with you. 

2. Try to distract the child - 

3.  Make  your child feel safe -

     Remove triggers This may require 
     turning music down or off.
     Find a quieter place or remove them
     from the that environment if sounds 
     are the issue . Especially if safety is a 
     factor .
      
     Snug hugs may help.Wearing
     compression clothing is an option 
     too.
     

4.  Invest in a weighted blanket -

     Weighted blankets can be effective for
     children that have lots of  meltdowns.  
     These blankets apply mild pressure to the 
     body helping an anxious child to calm down.
     In addition, the weights in the blanket help 
     Improve a child’s body awareness. 
     Which reduces the severity of the meltdown.                         Weighted vests have a similar 
     sense of calming .

5.  Carry a pair of noise canceling 🎧  

Get noise canceling ones   

6.Watch what your child eats-

      Food can be a trigger for 
      kids with sensory issues. 
      Some parents believe a gluten
      free diet keeps a child calmer. 
      Try limiting sugar they eat.
      Carbohydrates and sugar 
      tend to increase anxiety 
      in children with autism. 

7. Stay calm -No yelling 

   Yelling will not help.It will only 
    make the situation worse.
    Punishing is also pointless.
    The child  over stimuled and
     rational thought isn't happening. 
     
 

NOW LETS LOOK AT TANTRUMS...

 
Tantrums - A tantrum is a choice, and stops when a child gets what they want .Tantrums are goal oriented and used to get their way. 
 
The circumstances causing tantrums can vary due to a child's age. Tantrums are a normal part of development. They can start around 18 months and normally last until the age of 5. Tantrums usually peak at the age of  2 or 3 . This may be caused by frustration and lack of language development. The toddler may have trouble expressing his or her wants and needs. As children gets older their communication and negotiating skills improve, but they still may use tantrums to test limits, manipulate  situations or control outcomes. 
 
The tantrum thrower pays attention to reactions, and learns tantrums work . Parents give in .This reinforces the behavior. So yes they will do ot again!!!!
 
There are both verbal and physical signs of a tantrum.  
Notice the similarities especially the physical signs. 
 
Verbal signs include :
1. Whining 
2. Crying 
3. Yelling 
 
Physical signs include:
1. Kicking 
2. Flailing arms and legs
3. Biting
4. Holding their breath 
5. Tensing their body, 
     their body may go
     limp.
 
 
HANDLING TANTRUMS-
 
Tantrums should be handled differently depending on why a child is upset. Sometimes, you may need to give  comfort especially if a child is tired, hungry or sick.
 
Resist the temptation to end the tantrum by not giving
in. Giving in to the child's demands sends a mixed message.  
 
Use positive reinforcement once the  child becomes calm and compliant.
 
Give the child coping skills to manage their feelings is one of the best things a parent can do.
Counting backwards is great ! It helps disrupt negative thoughts. It's simply take a deep breath and count backwards from five to one - 5,4,3,2,1.
 
Deep breathing is another coping skill. It calms the body. Take a deep breath by inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Do this exercise 3-4 times.
From a neuroscience perspective, taking deep breaths helps bring oxygen to the brain and tells your nervous system to slow down. 
 
 
Please remember the child's safety is the most important thing. If a child is a danger to themself or a danger to others remove the child from the  environment immediately.
 
 
After the tantrum is over it's essential to have a calm and conversation with your child. 
Discuss what happened, focusing on the behavior rather than criticizing the child. Help them  understand the consequences of their actions. Teach the alternative, more appropriate ways to express their emotions. 
 
It's important to remember that true meltdown is not a behavior issue. I would encourage you to educate your spouse and family members, explaining that meltdowns are not intentional and are unpredictable.
Explain what sensory overstimulation means. It's important for family members to know that safety is the number one priority. 
 
Autistic children especially those with  communication issues may try to elope to escape the discomfort of a situation.  
 
Believe me educating others will  reduce conflict and anxiety for you!!!
 
 

Hang in there moms. Remember you are amazing!