Meltdowns vs tantrums: Does it actually matter what makes a person upset?
Description
One little thread on r/slp made me think of three major things that are part of how I process and do neurodivergent-affirming care in the case of emotional dysregulation. So I made a really informal video (using my front cam on my Macbook, so apologies for the quality) to address those things.
Outline:
1) Definition of dysregulation, it's over-use, and contrasting it with emotional upset.
2) Putting more effort into thinking through possible reasons for meltdowns/tantrums/emotional upset vs. trying to figure out which one it is -- and why this is important for child safety.
3) All behavior isn't intentional communication, but it can be information: Pro-tip for thinking of AT LEAST THREE possible reasons for the meltdown/upset/tantrum behavior.
Citations:
-Reddit thread: https://bit.ly/4gFrtTd
- Destini Ann: https://www.destiniann.com/epk
-Psychology Today article on emotional dysregulation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202108/what-is-emotional-dysregulation
-Quinones et al, 2020: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7682894/
-Quote: "Trauma is an affliction of the powerless" is by Judith Herman: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/530025-trauma-and-recovery
United States
