How to Know An Autism Meltdown Vs. A Tantrum: 9 Tips That Help Calm A Sensory Overloaded Child

Autism is not an excuse for bad behavior. That’s what my mom told me after visiting us on Christmas last year. My mother thought my autistic son’s Christmas Day autism meltdown was due to a lack of discipline.

See, he was overloaded by all of the holiday festivities and six hours into the hap – hap – happiest day of the year he broke down hardcore style.

We’re talking red-faced nonstop unconsolable crying. My parents were trying to reason with him in the midst of a complete autism meltdown which resulted in more anger and a bite mark on my mother’s hand which she showcased as if it were a medal.

Do you see what he did? Heather, you need to get him under control.

***Cue the Frustrated Sigh and Insert Curse Words Here***

If you’re a parent of a child with autism, then you may have a similar frustrating story. You know that there’s a difference between a tantrum and a meltdown.

And you do not handle them in the same way.

Searching for how to calm a sensory or autistic meltdown or tantrum can be exhausting! Here’s an easy way to tell the difference between an autism meltdown and a tantrum plus 9 ideas to help children with autism, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and ADHD with self-regulation. Find out how you can help your child calm down during a sensory meltdown and steps you can take to prevent future sensory meltdowns. #autism #sensoryprocessingdisorder #specialneedsparenting

A tantrum occurs when your child is denied something they want. Generally speaking, he is in control of his behavior in a tantrum scenario.

When my daughter, Lylah Kate, was little, she was known for throwing “hissy fits” every time she went with my husband on a grocery store or Walmart run.
It went something like this: She would ask for candy- he would say no- and the fit began.

As they made their way through the grocery list, her tantrum would build, and she would cry and scream until he gave in to her demands for a Hershey’s bar, bag of Skittles or whatever trending Unicorn candy was on sale at the time.

Why?

Because she knew he would eventually give in and she’d get what she wanted.

Unknowingly, he was reinforcing her bad behavior by buying her candy. During her fits or tantrums, even the BIG ones, my daughter was entirely in control of her behavior and did not harm herself.

Key Takeaway:

Tantrums are goal driven behaviors.

Meltdowns are not.

Autism Meltdowns

Autism meltdowns happen as a result of sensory overstimulation and a feeling of being overwhelmed. That’s why they’re also known as sensory meltdowns.

Sometimes there’s an apparent cause for these meltdowns like a change in routine, hunger, thirst, lack of sleep, and sensory overload.

Too many holiday festivities triggered my son’s meltdown; too many people, activities, and the change in his routine resulted in sensory overload.

During a meltdown, your child is not in control of his behavior.

He’s not being bad.
He does not need a spanking.
He’s not “acting this way” because he’s spoiled.

Most sensory meltdowns trigger the brain’s “fight or flight” reaction making it more challenging to manage and causing the meltdown to last longer.

Examples of Fight or Flight Reaction 

Kicking, Biting, Screaming, Spitting, Throwing Things

Crying inconsolably

Covering Eyes, Ears, & Tucking his legs

Curling up in the fetal position

Running

Checking or zoning out

Not speaking or moving

Now, what can a parent or caregiver do?

Handling Tantrums

Acknowledge your child and their goal (in my husband’s case it was the candy) but do not give in. After your child tires from throwing the tantrum you can explain how you expect them to behave in future situations and move on.

Autism Meltdowns

Meltdowns typically end in exhaustion (your child’s not your’s) or in some cases a change in the amount of sensory input.

Strategies to Calm Sensory Meltdowns

Autism Meltdowns vs Tantrums. Tips for parenting children with autism spectrum disorder. Whether you’re the parent of a child with high functioning autism, or your child has more significant challenges with things like behavior management, autistic meltdowns, and sensory processing disorder this article will teach you how to tell the difference between a sensory meltdown and a tantrum, and what you can do to help your child calm down and understand his behavior!

Do Not Treat Meltdowns As Behavior 

Keep in mind your child doesn’t have a goal in mind. His brain has switched into “fight or flight” and he isn’t in control. This is especially difficult if you are in a public setting. But you have to remember this is not a behavior issue-this is a brain reaction.

Stay Calm

Your child needs a calm and steady voice of reassurance. He needs to feel safe. Speak in a soft voice and lead by example.

Change Location

If possible, remove your child from the scene of overwhelming activity. This may mean seeking a calm room at a family event or leaving the mall or grocery store.

Use Visual Schedules  

Visual schedules allow kids to understand the plan and help make transitions from task to task easier. These morning and bedtime visual schedule and activity cards are perfect for daily routines!

Keep a Journal

Be proactive and create a meltdown notebook where you write down everything that happened leading up to and during your child’s sensory overloads. You may discover patterns or triggers that you can address in an action plan.

Be Aware of Warning Signs

Autism meltdowns usually do not occur out of the blue. Recognizing the warning signs of your child’s impending meltdown is crucial to ensure it doesn’t escalate. Meltdowns typically begin with what is known as “rumblings” Look out for pacing, stimming, or rocking back and forth.

Use Distractions

Once you recognize rumbling behavior, try using a distraction to calm your child. Try a simple activity or familiar toy they enjoy.

Sensory Toolkit 

Many parents collect these items and have them at the ready in case of a meltdown. You know it’s hard to think clearly in times of panic, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Consider gathering items to keep in your car as well.

Related: 50 Items Every Autism Mom Should Have in Her Calm Down Kit

Bubble Machine My son’s ABA therapist uses a bubble machine like this one during therapy sessions. I like these better than the toy versions because they last longer.

Noise Cancelling Headphones These can be a lifesaver for kids who are sensitive to auditory stimuli. Sometimes the noises coming from the dishwasher or the coffeepot are even too much to handle. These Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are worth every penny when you have a child that’s sensitive to sound.

Fidget Toys You probably have a few fidget spinners around your house. Many kids with autism or sensory processing disorder are soothed by them, and sometimes you can even curb unwanted habits like nail biting and hair pulling by spinning them.

We like these slow rising squishies better. My ten year old daughter Lylah Kate introduced our household to this trend, and it stuck with my son. They come in fun shapes and vibrant colors. Squishies are like a stress ball that you can flatten out and watch rise. Pretty cool & distracting!

Use A Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets help with sleep and kids with autism and sensory processing disorder find the added pressure from the weight soothing. This is the one I bought for my son Nathan, and it is fabulous. I bought another one for school, and the teacher’s love me for it! It’s incredible how fast it calms him down. I wish I had purchased this sooner.

*One quick note if you buy any weighted blanket be sure to buy a cover for it so you don’t have to struggle with trying to machine wash a heavy blanket.

You may also want to consider a weighted vest or compression garments. Fun and Function has the best selection.

Sensory Diet

Sensory Diets have nothing to do with food and everything to do with giving your child the sensory input he needs to Sensory Diets are used in sensory integration therapy, and there is a ton of research behind them. Talk to your Occupational Therapist or school about getting a Sensory Diet of physical activities for your child.

Hey, I know how hard it is to remain calm during a meltdown. I know how bad it feels not to be able to help your child.I’ve been there.

In my house.
At Dollar General.
At Walmart.
In the car.

You’re going to be tested over and over again, and I’m telling you that you are going to make it.
It just takes time.

Did I Miss Anything?

Did I cover all of the struggles that come with a sensory meltdown?

Maybe I missed one of your favorite strategies for dealing with an autism meltdown?

Either way, let me know in the comments below!

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Autism Meltdowns vs Tantrums. Tips for parenting children with autism spectrum disorder. Whether you’re the parent of a child with high functioning autism, or your child has more significant challenges with things like behavior management, autistic meltdowns, and sensory processing disorder this article will teach you how to tell the difference between a sensory meltdown and a tantrum, and what you can do to help your child calm down and understand his behavior!

Today’s Quote: “When enough people care about autism or diabetes or global warming, it helps everyone, even if only a tiny fraction actively participate.” -Seth Godin

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