Autistic Meltdowns
Autistic persons may often experience severe periods of emotional disturbance that are often equated with what may be called tantrums. Even though these periods may appear to resemble
what we may term a tantrum, they often have unique features that distinguish them from a tantrum. It is often the case but not always that autistic individuals are seen as having a tantrum when in fact they are experiencing a meltdown.
It is crucial to recognise the difference between the two sets of phenomena in order to assist the individual in an appropriate manner.
Today I will set out some of the ways in which you can distinguish between the two forms of behaviour and how to deal with an autistic meltdown so as to support the autistic person as appropriately as possible
Tantrum: Occurs in response to a demand not being met
Meltdown: Occurs in response to sensory overstimulation and or a series of unexpected changes in the environment
Tantrum: The behaviour is intended either consciously or unconsciously to force the environment into meeting a demand. Usually triggered abruptly following an unmet demand
Meltdown: Usually has a more gradual onset with the individual showing visible signs of increased anxiety and distress (i.e. increase in stimming behaviour)
Tantrum: The object of the behaviour is partly to seek attention from the environment
Meltdown: The objective of the behaviour is to escape the source of the discomfort. The behaviour is not intended to gain a sympathetic response from the persons environment
Tantrum: Typically the behaviour ceases rapidly when
and if the demand is met
Meltdown: The behaviour takes longer to cease and return to a more calm state may take much longer until the source of the discomfort is adapted to sufficiently
Take Home Message
- Don’t discipline someone who is experiencing a meltdown
- Don’t insist that they have full control over their behaviour in a meltdown (autistic persons
do not have control over their behaviour during a meltdown) - Don’t judge them for having a meltdown
- Do stay calm
- Do try by all means to reduce sensory stimulation
- Do attempt to remove objects with which they could harm themselves
- Do try to accept that it will take time for them to calm down
- Do assist them by providing sensory objects such as fidgets toys which may helps with the
process of self soothing - Do express your love and patience with them over this period
By: Kevin Naidu; Clinical Psychologist (South Africa)
