Autism and meltdowns in adults12/8/2023 ![]() ![]() anger outbursts in ASD have been described as 'immature' with labels such as 'meltdowns' being used to reflect the uncontrollable nature of these behaviors. Historically, the term irritability was used in ASD literature as an umbrella category for severe disruptive behaviors including temper tantrums, aggression, and non-compliance . Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders (2nd ed.). Meltdowns can be misinterpreted by first responders and law enforcement officers, leading to escalation of situations. Autistic meltdowns are not manipulative and arise from distress. The distinction between a tantrum and a meltdown as tantrums being primarily verbal (screaming, crying) and meltdowns having a physical component (such as violent behaviour), is not broadly agreed upon. Luke Beardon states that an autistic meltdown is an "intense response to overwhelm". Temper tantrums are developmentally normal, but for neurotypical children, their frequency decreases as the child ages in autistic children, however, meltdowns can persist longer, and in a third of cases, they worsen as the child ages. In the literature, the terms are often used interchangeably or depending on the population being studied. ![]() There is no scientifically agreed upon distinction between a meltdown and a tantrum. They are linked to maturity and may escalate with age. Irritability is the term used historically to describe the behavior.Īngry outbursts in people with autism have been referred to as meltdowns which manifest as an intense reaction. Autistic meltdown or tantrum is a term that has been used to describe an intense and uncontrollable response to an overwhelming situation in some people on the autism spectrum.
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