Here’s the difference: A temper tantrum is a behavior related to lack of communication or wanting something like attention or a specific outcome. However, it is important to really consider what might be the true root of behavioral challenges or temper tantrums. Some common triggers for meltdowns include:Ī Sensory Meltdown Isn’t a Temper TantrumĪll too frequently, sensory meltdowns are seen as behavior problems and equated to a temper tantrum or other behavior response. It’s the summation of all the sensory annoyances during the day that lead to the big meltdown at the end. Finally, at the end of the day, a peer accidentally brushes their arm and boom – they lose it. Take school for instance, maybe a child tolerated a shirt that felt scratchy, and then the noisy hallway, and then a strange blinky light in art class. Like slowly filling a cup until one last thing causes it to overflow. Other times, it’s a slow accumulation of different experiences. Sometimes a meltdown is the result of a specific, intense sensory experience. And it’s not just kids, teens and adults can also experience sensory meltdowns.Ī post shared by Molly Fuller Design Common Triggers for Sensory Meltdowns They are also seen with other diagnoses with sensory components like AHDH, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Sensory meltdowns are not just seen in those with sensory processing disorder. This can get in the way of schoolwork, family outings, and playing with friends. You can’t reason with them, and you can’t make it just stop. The child in the middle of a meltdown can’t do anything except be in the meltdown. The hallmark of a sensory meltdown is the behaviors that are beyond the child’s control. This heightened intensity of sensory information contributes to the sensory system getting overwhelmed more easily and reaching the point of overload and meltdowns. Those with SPD might perceive some normal sensations like light, touch, or sound more intensely. Sensations are stronger and the nervous system has a lower threshold for tolerance. However, those with SPD have sensory systems that work differently. The difference for those without sensory processing disorder is that the sensory system is able to adjust before a system meltdown happens. Or even turning down the radio when trying to focus while driving. Think about feeling exhausted after a day in a loud, crowded, hot mall. Pretty much everyone has moments where they get overwhelmed by sensory input. Keep reading to understand what a meltdown is, some strategies for coping with meltdowns, and how to reduce some meltdown triggers.Ī sensory meltdown is when the sensory system get’s overloaded and triggers a fight or flight response leading to big emotional outbursts or challenging behaviors. However, the right knowledge in the hands of parents and caregivers can make a huge difference. It’s no wonder the challenges of meltdowns contribute to caregiver stress and burnout. Meanwhile, it’s stressful as the caregiver to even know what to do. It can be heartbreaking to watch your child feel such intense emotions. And you keep wondering… will it ever get easier? Of all the challenges of parenting a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory meltdowns rank pretty high on the stress index. So you give your child some quiet time in the car, and your shoulders begin to relax as you hear the meltdown winding down. And the big emotions don’t stop when you’re safely back in the car. You barely notice your burning cheeks as you abandon your cart and rush out of the store with your screaming child. And sure enough, it doesn’t take long for that initial agitation to turns into a full meltdown. Your child looks irritated by the noise right away. You feel it coming the moment you enter the crowded store. If you’ve been there, you know the feeling all too well.
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