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Showing posts from October, 2021

Meltdowns, shutdowns and tantrums

MELTDOWNS, SHUTDOWNS AND TANTRUMS In the past, I mistook these three terms as the same, but in reality they are all different.  When a child or an adult is throwing a tantrum , it's usually seen that they are not getting what they want. You've probably heard of the term "temper tantrum". It is usually stopped by the exertion of their willpower.  I always thought that my brother was throwing tantrums, whenever he starts his whole showdown. it's not so. What my brother exhibits is a meltdown.  Meltdowns are caused by overload of sensory.   A tantrum and a meltdown may look very similar but it is very different. Meltdowns is out of someone's control, while a tantrum is to a certain extent, driven by will. Meltdowns  can also happen to anyone, not just individuals with autism.  Tantrums can also be done for attention-seeking. The reality is that, with meltdowns, you don't need an audience. It can happen in the midst of people or while the person is alone. So,

Have Patience and exercise Control.

There is a saying that ' 'If you can learn self control, you can master anything ” Patience is required on a different level when dealing with special-needs children and adults.  It is very important to know how far your emotions can take you, especially if you have a child or an adult who doesn’t process information the way you do. How could you exercise control with your sibling or child?  Negative emotions like anger tend to spin out of control. I won’t lie, my little brother annoys me unknowingly and sometimes, intentionally. Most of the time, I’m like “God, give me patience today and don't let me break my brother's head”. I always say something to my mother '' you are allowed to be angry and upset about a situation, but it is important to know what to do with your emotions".   You could hurt people with your words or actions and that's not alright. Don’t react right away. Take a deep breath and try to calm down. Think of the repercussions of you