Tantrums vs. Meltdowns

I was totally intrigued when I first learned that tantrums and meltdowns were completely different. Like so many parents of children with autism, I absorb as much as I can about behaviors, strategies, sensory issues and the like. But now when I look at articles stating matter-of-factly the differences between tantrums and meltdowns, the thought came to my mind: Does it really matter?

When my son is screaming at the top of his lungs at Walmart or taking the first available object off the shelf at Target and throwing it onto the floor like a madman, knowing the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown really doesn't mean a whole lot to me. At that very moment,  I just want my kid to be happy again or at least calm enough to all of me to finish my grocery shopping (wishful thinking, of course).

The differences between tantrums and meltdowns are very eye-opening...but this #autismmom just wants to make it through the day! 

#justathought #longday

Calming a Child with Autism: Parenting 101

I needed this advice yesterday! My son had a complete meltdown in school because he had lost points for talking in class. Being a teacher myself,  I try to support the expectations for behavior and consequences that my children's teachers have developed for their classroom.

What I learned from this article is that maybe my own expectations were a little too much for my son. His meltdown likely stemmed from his anticipation of losing TV time or having an earlier bedtime at home because he lost those points. I wish there was a parenting handbook for children with autism because (a) it would be a best seller and (b) it would make life so much easier!

I absolutely realize my mistake of not aligning my expectations with the needs and nature of my son. Will I continue to make mistakes on this journey?  Yes! But this was definitely a lesson LEARNED!