Skip to main content

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, when someone says "he's just trying to get attention". he's really not. Something might be wrong. 

A shutdown is also something I recently heard about. My brother would space out for minutes. The African in me would start  praying and casting out whatever is in him. A shutdown is a situation when someone becomes non-responsive, unable to communicate and becomes immobile. Usually, the person disappears and is unable to communicate or move.  

How to help prevent meltdowns and shutdowns

By showing support basically. Be intentional about creating environments that do not overwhelm the senses. If your loved one is in shutdown or meltdown mode, make sure they are somewhere safe and also let them be. Don't stress them out the more. We cannot control this. Let's just offer support and love! 

 

Comments

  1. O.J EbubeohaJanuary 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM

    Thank you for sharing this difference. It urges us to look at things differently with children in general, siblings and friends. Thank you author

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EASTER SUNDAY- THE DAY JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND THE DAY I THOUGHT OF SUICIDE

I believe in the opinion that everyone has thought of suicide, and you can argue, but you know deep down, something may have happened to you to make you say, “I’m going to end it all.” But let’s talk about something that happened to me. Now, this article is not to scare you, or to make me seem easily influenced by the other voice. It is to remind you of three things. One, bottling emotions is not good.  Two, the role of caregiving for someone with a disability is not something that is your sole responsibility. Three, the devil is a bastard.  Okay, let's get into it. If you’ve been following my space, you probably know that I have a brother with Autism. As much as it is a beautiful experience, it is very scary. Whenever my brother is coming to the house from school, we ‘ Tobi-proof ’ the house, meaning that we have to hide some things, lock some things up, and it is quite a lot.  See also: Choosing Love as a neurotypical sibling Long story short. I had a meltdown on Sunda...
Post a Comment
Read more

Special Education!

  It is a hard pill to swallow but children with developmental disorders are often not recognized in society.  Yes, I said it! Special education is a unique educational program for students who have mental, physical, and emotional challenges.  These children require special and unique teaching approaches. Sometimes, these approaches take place outside a regular classroom setting. Special-needs children refer to children who have some  sensory challenges.  Some of these challenges are common to children with Autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, developmental delay, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, visual impairment, and much more. It’s unfair that children are placed in regular classrooms and are forced to learn the way neurotypical children are.  My brother once attended a school for neurotypical children.  This was a time when we weren’t sure about his diagnosis. I could tell that it was hard fo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Choosing True Love as a sibling of special needs.

What It’s Like to Date as a Special Needs Sibling? The truth is, I worry about love. Who doesn’t? You’re choosing someone to build your life with, and what happens if you make a bad choice? It’s not just about my happiness. It’s about my future children, my stability, and, in my case, my little brother. The topic of caregiving has been on my mind since I reached a certain age, making me think more about the future; my career, my health, my responsibilities… everything. Love and relationships are a huge part of that. I’ve never doubted that I have the best friends around me…people who understand my role as a neurotypical sibling. But when it comes to love? That’s where the anxiety creeps in. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but the dating pool is a big mess. I’d describe it as “shege” before finding real love” except if you’re God’s favorite and somehow skip the drama. My situation hasn’t been smooth, and I’d like to think that God is saving me for the one. Unashamedly, I love romance, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Empower Voices for Autism

  Why is it very important to empower voices for Autism? There it is! Gt Bank has done it againnnn… It’s one thing when you’re doing everything you can to be aware of a neurodevelopmental disorder, it’s another to make sure others can be aware.  This is my fifth year attending the GT bank Autism conference.  Check out the past year’s post:  Creating a community to Awe-Tism Advocates And every year I go, I am so empowered and  also filled with hope. Hundreds of people attend to know more about autism, to find ways how they can help their children or students. This year’s theme focuses on inspiring confidence in individuals with autism to reach their full potential in their preferred sector, whether art or music.  I’ll start with the dance drama which was… Amazing! Mind you, I’m going to be using that term a lot. The actor in the stage play was a very talented photographer. The moral of the riveting story was that people would always try to take credit for wh...
Post a Comment
Read more