



The tantrums will resolve when the child either gets what he wants or when he realizes that his outburst will not result in getting his way. When children tantrum, they continue to be in control of their behavior and can adjust the level of the tantrum based on the feedback they receive from adults around them. This anxiety and lack of control often result in tantrums when it all gets to be too much to manage.Ī hallmark of a tantrum is that the behavior will usually persist if the child gains attention for his behavior, but will subside when ignored. Toddlers are developing an understanding of their world, and it’s often anxiety-producing.The prefrontal cortex of the brain has not yet developed - this is the brain center responsible for emotional regulation and social behavior - so they do not have the ability to regulate!.Emerging, developing language skills make communicating wants/needs frustrating.Emerging desire to become independent, but limited motor skills and cognitive skills (planning, organization, execution) make it impossible to actually BE independent.When you look at why temper tantrums occur at this stage, it is important to consider typical development and why toddlers are so easily frustrated: In fact, this “terrible twos” stage is typically experienced between 12 months through 4 years old! This occurs when young children are developing problem-solving skills and beginning to assert their independence. Parents observe many tantrums during the “terrible twos”. Autism Meltdown Strategies for ChildrenĪ Temper Tantrum is Not an Autism MeltdownĪ temper tantrum usually occurs when a child is denied what they want to have or what they want to do.Recognizing the motivation or purpose of the tantrum.What to do When an Autistic Child has a Tantrum.Autism Meltdowns Come from Overwhelm or Overstimulation.A Temper Tantrum is Not an Autism Meltdown.
