

It may also indicate problems with sensory overload, social problems or general tiredness. The diary may show that your child’s behaviour is worse at different times (during the day or across the week). It is often helpful to keep a behaviour diary to identify any triggers that might be exacerbating the problem. Understanding the triggers for your child’s meltdowns Children may also have meltdowns which are triggered by strong fears or worries. This may be because of difficulty understanding what is happening or difficulty communicating about feelings or problems. Meltdowns are most often caused by frustration or anger when things don’t go according to plan. What are some of the common causes of temper tantrums and meltdowns? Meltdowns are distressing for parents but also siblings, particularly if they are on the receiving end of anger and sometimes aggressive behaviour. Meltdowns are more severe and parents usually say their child is hysterical or out of control (“They’ve lost it”!) so much so that nothing can be done until they have calmed down. Temper tantrums happen when children get angry but have some control over what they are doing (“I don’t want/ like this”!). These terms are both informal ways of describing behaviours which show that a child has a problem regulating or managing their emotions. When this happens a child may have a temper tantrum, or more extreme behaviours may warrant the term meltdown. All children have times when their feelings are strong and overwhelming- especially if they a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (as do some of the children who come to see us at Attuned Psychology).
