Tantrum vs Meltdown: Defining the Differences (Part 2)
When discussing behaviors of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the word “meltdown” is often used to describe high intensity behaviors. Meltdowns and tantrums are both high intensity behaviors that can look similar but are significantly different behaviors each with their own sets of antecedents (triggers) and consequences (responses) for the behavior. By understanding the distinction between the two, we can better design proactive strategies and responses.
When someone is displaying tantrum behavior, they are actively choosing their behaviors. A meltdown develops when someone is reacting instinctively to their environment without control of their behavior. To better define those differences and be able to functionally address each, comparisons should be made. The following questions can help determine if an individual is having a tantrum or meltdown:
Does the intensity vary?
When an individual is having a tantrum, their intensity can fluctuate repeatedly and involve planning. For instance, the person could be physically aggressive (hitting, kicking, etc.) for a minute and then stop to look around the room to find something to break, but then go back to aggression after standing calmly for ten seconds. Meltdowns display either a constant intensity of behavior or a constant escalation of behavior without pauses.
Is the individual looking for a reaction?
Tantrums are related to someone wanting a specific outcome such as attention, escape, to avoid something, or getting access to something (toy, trip outside, TV program, etc.) During the tantrum, the individual may be doing things that they believe will influence the intervening person enough to get what they want and look for a reaction to see if it has potential to work. This is the reason why being neutral is a crucial step when responding to a tantrum.
Meltdowns can also be the result of attention, escape, or access to something, but there is a sensory component as well. If the person is overstimulated, then they no longer have interest in what someone else is reacting to and they are only responding to something that is not in their control and usually not observable.
At Achievement Balance, we provide tools and resources to help parents better understand and manage their child’s emotional needs.
How does the behavior end?
Meltdowns typically have a de-escalation pattern where the high intensity behavior slowly decreases over time until they are at a low enough level to control their own behavior again. Tantrums may stop abruptly when the individual gets tired or receives what they want.
Although the above descriptions can help determine what type of behavior an individual is engaging in, it is important to remember every person is different and ASD is a large spectrum that involves numerous factors of why behavior occurs and continues. Consequently, it is vital to identify proactive strategies and responses that will work for each individual and personalize behavior plans to best teach functional behavior and decrease inappropriate and dangerous behavior.
