A sensory meltdown is a response to overwhelming sensory input around them in their environment. This is not defiance but their brain is being overloaded. The child may be overwhelmed by sights, sounds, smells, tastes or the feeling of clothing touching their skin can trigger a sensory meltdown.
Their physical reactions can range from shutting down completely (freezing) to becoming highly agitated, intense physical movements like flailing limbs, falling to floor or rocking.
The child may be feeling anxiety, fear or panic, crying or screaming but this is less about anger and more about distress because they are dysregulated. Often, the child may also struggle to communicate their distress verbally, making it challenging for parents and caregivers to understand their needs.
After a sensory meltdown, the child usually experiences significant exhaustion and may need time to recover.
Meltdown
- A meltdowns are not a choice and are neurological
- The child is reacting to feeling overwhelmed
- Continues without reaction or audience
- A meltdown is not goal dependent
- The child is experiencing too much sensory input to process
- Will not bargain
- Fight, flight and freeze response
- The child may shut down and get tired
- Children will cry, scream, yell or run away
- May require assistance to gain control
There are many different ways to help a child who is having a sensory meltdown. Reduce the sensory input around the child right away. Move the child to a quiet space and minimize noise and other stimulation. Providing the child with deep pressure such as a weighted blanket or hug can be calming for them. Speak to them in a calm voice. Avoid being upset or trying to reason with them.
During this time allow your child to engage in self-soothing activities such as rocking. If meltdowns are frequent or severe, always consult with a pediatric occupational therapist or other specialist.
A tantrum is different than a sensory meltdown and is primarily behavioral with anger, frustration or defiance. These are often attempts to get attention, manipulate a situation or express unmet needs. The child displays obvious anger and actively refuses your requests or instructions.
Tantrums are deliberate and often have a clear goal such as getting a desired toy or avoiding an unwanted task. While the child's behavior is disruptive, they usually have some control; the child can usually stop if they choose to, although they may not choose to.
Sometimes, reasoning or negotiation with the child can help resolve the tantrum. Once the desired outcome is achieved or the child expends their energy, the tantrum usually ends relatively quickly and doesn't last very long.
Tantrums
- A tantrum is behavioral
- A tantrum will stop when children get what they want and their goal is accomplished
- Children will have some control over their behavior during a tantrum- uses bargaining as a tactic
- Can develop into a meltdown
- Tantrums are a choice
- They will have an angry or frustrated outburst because they're not getting what they want
- Children will cry, scream, yell and hold their breath
-The child will usually look to an audience to perform
- A child usually checks for engagement
There are many ways to help a child when they are having a tantrum. Try to remain calm because this can help de-escalate the situation. If the child is safe, ignore the behavior, it can sometimes be effective. Set clear limits and let the child know their behavior is unacceptable, but do so calmly and firmly. Giving the child limited choices can help them feel more in control.
Once the child's tantrum subsides, redirect the child's attention to a positive activity. Praise good behavior to encourage future positive actions.
It is so important to remember that every child is different. Understanding the underlying cause of sensory overload or tantrum is important to providing effective support and fostering a positive and understanding environment. If you're unsure whether a child is experiencing a sensory meltdown or a tantrum, focusing on creating a calming environment and providing comfort is always a good starting point. Your child's occupational therapist can help provide valuable guidance and support in managing these challenging behaviors.
