Tantrums: Typically seen in young children, tantrums are emotional outbursts that may include yelling, crying, or stomping when a child is frustrated or seeking something they want or need. These behaviors are often an attempt to control a situation, and they tend to stop when the child either gets what they want or is calmed down. There is a level of control present in tantrums.
Meltdowns (Autonomic Storms): an autonomic storm”, on the other hand, is a reaction to feeling overwhelmed, usually by sensory overload, anxiety, fear, pain, or unexpected changes in routine. Unlike tantrums, meltdowns are not under the individual’s control and can result in shutdowns, where the individual may not be able to communicate or engage with others.
