They are not an attempt to manipulate others but rather an attempt to regain stability.Īnd yes, Neurodivergent people can have tantrums and meltdowns. Meltdowns do not have an end goal (other than helping the ND person survive). Tantrums are an unhealthy communication style but sometimes they are the only one a person knows. They have an end goal in mind and can be used to get a need or a want met when an individual doesn’t understand how to communicate that need properly. Tantrums are used to control others via extreme behavior. And while they may have a lot of the same characteristics like screaming and crying, they are NOT the same. Both need a compassionate approach but different strategies to resolve.Ī lot of people conflate meltdowns with tantrums. Tantrums TL:DR – Meltdowns and Tantrums may look similar but are not the same. Dealing with chronic pain or physical illness.Hormone changes (periods, menopause, being on Hormone Replacement Therapy).Expectations on adults that trigger PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).Big life changes like getting married, moving house, changing jobs or having children.Sensory triggers like crowds, parties, or screaming children.Specific Reasons Why Neurodivergent Meltdowns in Adults Might Occur They are often attributed to Autism but can occur in other Neurotypes as well. Sensory meltdowns 3 happen when there is too much external stimuli for the ND to process at once. ADHD meltdowns are common and are often triggered by rejection sensitivity, distress intolerance 2, and emotional regulation issues. Meltdowns can be a way for Neurodivergent people to release pent up frustration, help them process and/or express their emotions (which can be hard for NDs during calmer times).Īll Neurotypes can experience meltdowns. Intense stimming like rocking, muscle tensing, vocal stims, or joint cracking.Hitting, kicking, punching, biting (oneself, objects, or others).Meltdowns are usually impossible to stop once they get going and can vary in intensity. It is not a manipulative action and has no end goal other than to communicate frustration and to help the ND person survive. It is not a behavior that can be changed. Wrap Up on How to Deal With Neurodivergent Meltdowns in AdultsĪ Neurodivergent Meltdown is a reaction to feelings of intense overwhelm and is NOT a tantrum 1.Strategies for the Aftermath of a Meltdown Understanding and Avoiding Meltdown Triggers Resource Guide for Neurodivergent Adults Experiencing Meltdowns.Meltdowns and Availability of Information and Strategies for Adults.Why Neurodivergent Meltdowns Might Be Uniquely Difficult for Adults. Specific Reasons Why Neurodivergent Meltdowns in Adults Might Occur.Now let’s get you some education and strategies to make meltdowns less hard on you <3 I’ve been there and just want you to know it’ll be okay. So big hugs to you if you’re beating yourself up about a meltdown. They’re a way to cope when you just can’t cope anymore. You’re just overwhelmed by stress, difficult emotions, masking, or sensory triggers. You’re not a bad or manipulative person (as others may have wrongly assumed). More frequently than the general public might want to believe. Neurodivergent Meltdowns in adults happen. But they are double difficult when we have them as adults. Meltdowns are excruciating for Neurodivergent people in general. I’m sure you’re reading this because you feel ashamed and/or frustrated that you’re experiencing meltdowns as an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.įirst thing’s first: Neurodivergent Meltdowns in Adults are NOTHING to be ashamed of.
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