The child’s and those around them’s safety is the top priority.Īlso known as tension release. It’s pointless to try to reason at this point. This is the point at which behavior becomes explosive and uncontrollable. It typically consists of physical, verbal, and behavioral indicators. Meltdowns are genuine expressions of distress.Ī meltdown typically occurs in three stages:Īlso known as the defensive and anxious stage.Stims are self-calming techniques that people with ASD use to help regulate anxiety or sensory input. Rumblings may include or progress to “stims” or other signs of anxiety during meltdowns.Autism meltdowns typically begin with “rumblings,” which are outward signs of distress that can be either obvious or subtle. Meltdowns can occur in adolescents, teens, and even adults on the spectrum, and they can happen even in people with high-functioning autism.Characterized by visible behavioral changes such as pacing, increased heart rate, cursing, or an increase in stimming.Īutism meltdowns are distinguished by the following characteristics: Meltdowns frequently have a “rumbling stage” before they begin. Tantrums usually start abruptly and end when the child gets what they want or exhausts themselves. Tantrums are brief, whereas meltdowns are more complicated.Meltdowns are uncontrollable emotional and behavioral responses to environmental stimuli. Tantrums are usually goal-oriented, such as when a child wants something. Tantrums occur when a child desires something, and meltdowns occur when they are overwhelmed.Tantrums become less common as children develop communication and self-regulation skills, whereas autism meltdowns can occur at any age. Unlike tantrums, autism meltdowns are not age-related.There are three major distinctions between tantrums and meltdowns: However, while they may appear similar, a meltdown is not the same as a temper tantrum and should not be treated as such. If your child is having an autism meltdown, it may look like a normal “temper tantrum”. What’s the difference between tantrums and meltdowns? This can result in a fight, flight, or freeze response, making it difficult for the person to regulate their sensory processing and behavioral responses. When an individual with ASD is overwhelmed or overstimulated by a situation, they may experience extreme distress and lose control of their behavior for a short period. One such example is an “autism meltdown,” which is an emotional reaction to sensory overload.Īutism meltdowns are uncontrollable reactions to overstimulating situations, feelings, or environments. People with ASD are neurodivergent, which means they behave differently than neurotypical people. They may react differently to different sensory inputs, ranging from music volume to the tactile touch of objects or the feel of clothing. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, people with ASD may experience a wide range of symptoms. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s language, behavior, and communication.
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