Pinnacle Guru · Published archive
Collab Topic - Behavioural Therapy
Published
**Definition**: Emotional outbursts due to frustration or not getting what is desired.
**Example**: A child at a store wants candy. When the parent says no, the child screams and cries to get what they want.
**Characteristics**:
- Driven by desire.
- Involves crying, screaming, physical actions.
- Child is aware and trying to get a reaction.
# Meltdowns
**Definition**: Overwhelming response to sensory overload or extreme stress.
**Example**: A child with autism at a busy amusement park becomes overwhelmed by noise and crowds, leading to uncontrollable crying and rocking.
**Characteristics**:
- Driven by sensory or emotional overload.
- Loss of control, not manipulative.
- Person is overwhelmed and disconnected.
# Key Differences
- **Tantrums**: Manipulative, driven by desire, child is aware.
- **Meltdowns**: Not manipulative, driven by overload, person loses control.
# Supporting Someone
**Tantrum**: Stay calm, be firm, use simple language.
**Meltdown**: Provide a quiet space, reduce stimuli, use calming techniques.
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