Tantrum versus Meltdown

A tantrum is often a goal-oriented action. Young children frequently learn that tantrums can help them achieve a desired behavior or obtain a wanted object. When a child’s request is denied, they may throw a tantrum to frustrate their parents or teachers, ultimately reaching their goal. Once the goal is achieved, the disruptive behavior typically ends because there is no longer a need for it.

In contrast, autistic meltdowns are not a system for requesting rewards. They can occur at any age or in any situation, not just in children. Meltdowns are often triggered by sensory over stimulation. Many people with autism are oversensitive to stimuli such as sounds, smells, and lights. This over sensitivity can overwhelm them, leading to a meltdown. Meltdowns are generally more severe, emotional, long-lasting, and harder to manage than tantrums.

While tantrums are common in young children and tend to decrease as the child grows older, autistic meltdowns are not age-related and can happen at any age. Many autistic adults, especially those who are higher functioning, may learn strategies to prevent and cope with meltdowns.