Is Your Child's Behavior Issue a Developmentally Appropriate Temper Tantrum or Due to a Sensory Processing Disorder?
Although sensory meltdowns and temper tantrums may look similar, the causes and appropriate responses are completely different. It's important for loved ones to understand the differences between these two occurrences so that they can offer the proper support. This guide gives an overview of sensory issues and lists ways to help prevent meltdowns.
Anatomy of a Temper Tantrum
The Mayo Clinic explains that temper tantrums frequently occur because young children are not equipped to express frustration in other ways. Even their limited vocabularies can make them feel frustrated to the point of throwing a fit. Perhaps the child wants a toy but doesn't have the power to purchase the toy. Perhaps she wants to stay at a friend's house, but her parents say that it's time to go. These events can turn into tantrums, especially when children are put in situations that can spark strong emotions. The behavior typically subsides once the child gets enough attention or has his or her wants met.
Anatomy of a Sensory Meltdown
A sensory meltdown is very different from a temper tantrum. Sensory sensitivity to noise, lights, crowds, or touch can cause children and adults who have sensory processing disorders to become confused and frightened. The overloaded senses may lead to reactions that parents perceive as behavior problems when they are really just signs of sensory overload.
Sensory meltdowns are not social interactions like tantrums. The child rarely cares whether anyone pays him or her attention. The meltdown is also unlikely to disappear as soon as the want is met. Instead, it will abate slowly after the offensive stimulus has been removed.
Even people who are not on the autism spectrum would likely react to such overloaded senses. It's a frightening experience that defies explanation to the person living with sensitivities.
Preventing Sensory Meltdowns
Sensory processing disorder and other conditions that make people more susceptible to sensory meltdowns can make it difficult for children to grow and learn at the pace of their peers. Frequent meltdowns can also wear on caregivers who often feel frustrated by the situation. This makes it important for loved ones, therapists, and anyone else involved in the child's life to know effective ways to prevent sensory meltdowns.
In our tips for minimizing sensory overload in kids who have special needs, we recommend:
- earning the child's trust
- managing exposure to sensory triggers
- scheduling silence
Plans for handling sensory meltdowns and temper tantrums must differ because there are different types of events. Developing plans for each type of event now can help parents calm their children whenever they have tantrums or sensory meltdowns.
Sensory Meltdowns - What can be Done?
Difficulty with processing sensory information is a common struggle that we see every day with the families we help at Brain Balance. A person’s ability to effectively process sensory stimuli relies heavily on brain maturity and connectivity. The Brain Balance program is uniquely designed to focus on building brain connectivity and improving the foundation of development, rather than implementing coping strategies for life to block out sensory stimulation and stay calm. The program uses a combination of sensory engagement exercises, physical development exercises, cognitive activities and healthy nutrition to strengthen the brain pathways needed to reduce worrisome thoughts and improve the ability to handle stress.
If you have a child or a teenager who experiences regular sensory processing difficulties, let’s talk. An assessment can help to identify the area of immaturity and create an action plan for you and your child. Visit brainbalance.com to contact your local team.
Enjoy These Posts Related to Sensory Sensitivities
6 Tips To Help Kids Avoid Sensory Overload This Thanksgiving
Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
Minimizing Sensory Overload in Kids with Special Needs