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Sensory meltdown example9/10/2023 ![]() ![]() They cry, yell, argue, hit, kick, or even run away because their minds and bodies literally cannot take the stress on their nervous system. When the sensory system (hearing, seeing, taste, smell, touch) is overwhelmed or overstimulated, a child cannot handle or process it, so again, their natural response is a meltdown. For more on sensory issues, make sure you check this post. Meltdowns are also common with children who struggle with sensory issues. Often times children who have experienced trauma have not been taught how to cope with their emotions in a positive way, which can also result in a meltdown when they experience strong feelings. Depending on the age and maturity of the child, they may not have the ability to express their feelings so they resort to crying, yelling, or even hitting and kicking. ![]() When a child’s (or adult’s!) emotions become too overwhelming, a natural response is to cry. Because of the lack of those connections (in the frontal cortex), a child who has experienced trauma does not have the same ability to regulate their emotions. Well, remember how we talked about how trauma can alter the brain?Ī child who has experienced trauma does not have the same connections in their brain that a neurotypical child might have. Tantrums are often reserved for moms and dads! So how are meltdowns and trauma related? But in general, a teacher is more likely to see a meltdown as opposed to a tantrum. With a little practice, it is easy to learn to tell the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown. Sometimes students with disabilities, such as autism, will also frequently have meltdowns. When she hears firetrucks in a parade, she will instantly start crying because the noise is just too overwhelming for her. My other daughter will have meltdowns when a situation is too noisy. Or because an environment or situation is too stimulating, stressful, or overwhelming. They can occur because of sensory overload. A MeltdownĪ meltdown is the body’s and mind’s response to stress, and it cannot necessarily be controlled like a tantrum. It is an exercise in control that is a natural part of development. Every child, particularly toddlers and preschoolers, throws tantrums. She cried and yelled, but it was only because she did not get what she wanted, which was an excessive amount of pizza. One of my daughters (age 5) threw a tantrum just today because I would not let her eat pizza for lunch and dinner. A TantrumĪ tantrum is a deliberate “fit” because that child did not get their way. They are often used interchangeably, but they are different. We discussed defiance, impulsivity, lack of focus, hyperactivity, aggression, and creating drama.īefore we get too deep into this topic, I want to establish that meltdowns and tantrums are two different things. ![]() If you missed days 1-6, make sure you check them out. Today’s topic in my 10 Days of Behavior Series is MELTDOWNS! Meltdowns and tantrums are actually two different things. ![]()
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