As an autistic person, I often get asked about the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown. This distinction can be relevant at any age, though the expressions of these experiences can change as someone gets older.
For children, meltdowns can be quite explosive. I often describe meltdowns as deeper, more akin to volcanic eruptions. Tantrums tend to last a maximum of 10 minutes and in contrast, meltdowns can last for hours. Of course, the duration and intensity of either experience vary from person to person but there is a different compared to one losing their temper, or being in a bad mood.
Meltdowns are uncontrollable and in this episode we look into why.
