Tantrums are emotional outbursts involving crying, screaming, kicking, hitting or throwing things. They are common in young children, especially ages 2-3. However, severe tantrums that are frequent, intense and occur after age 3 may be a red flag for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This article explores whether tantrums can be early signs of autism, the differences between typical toddler tantrums and tantrums in autism, and tips for managing autism-related tantrums.
Are frequent, severe tantrums an early sign of autism?
In many cases, yes. While most young children have tantrums, children with autism tend to have more frequent, severe and prolonged tantrums that persist past age 3. Several key characteristics set autism-related tantrums apart:
- Start early, around age 1-2
- Increase in frequency and intensity after age 3
- Last longer than typical tantrums (can go on for 30 minutes or more)
- Happen many times per day
- Seem to come “out of the blue” without an obvious trigger
- Result in self-injury, such as head banging
- Child has difficulty calming down, even with comfort from caregivers
If a child continues to have frequent meltdowns after age 3, it may be a red flag for ASD. However, every child is different. Some neurotypical children struggle with emotional regulation skills. On the other hand, some children with autism have mild symptoms and fewer tantrums. Getting an autism evaluation is important if tantrums seem excessive.
What’s the difference between a typical tantrum and autism-related meltdown?
There are some key differences between typical toddler tantrums and meltdowns in children with autism:
Triggers
- Typical tantrums: Triggers are obvious – child is hungry, tired, frustrated, wants attention or is not getting their way.
- Autism meltdowns: Can happen “out of the blue” without an apparent cause.
Emotional release
- Typical tantrums: Emotion comes on quickly and intensely, but also recedes quickly with distraction or comfort from parent.
- Autism meltdowns: Build up slowly but last much longer. Child has difficulty calming down even with parent’s help.
Goal
- Typical tantrums: Child is trying to communicate a need, get attention or manipulate the situation.
- Autism meltdowns: Due to feeling overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
Self-injury
- Typical tantrums: Child may throw himself on floor dramatically but seldom causes self-harm.
- Autism meltdowns: More likely to involve self-injurious behavior like head banging.
Eye contact
- Typical tantrums: Child looks at parent’s face during tantrum.
- Autism meltdowns: Child avoids eye contact.
While the exact cause of autism is still unknown, research suggests that children with ASD have difficulty regulating emotions and sensory input due to differences in brain structure and neurotransmitter levels. This leads to meltdowns when they feel overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
What triggers tantrums in autism?
Autism meltdowns are mostly caused by feeling overwhelmed by too much sensory input or change. Common triggers include:
- Loud noises like noisy restaurants, sirens, vacuum cleaners
- Bright lights, crowds, cluttered spaces
- Strong smells or food textures
- Sudden changes in routine or environment
- Too many instructions at once
- Frustration caused by difficulty communicating
- Hunger, fatigue, stress, lack of structure
- Unexpected touch like haircuts or doctors exams
Of course, every autistic child’s sensory sensitivities are different. Parents should observe their child to identify meltdown triggers unique to them. Keeping a tantrum log can help spot patterns.
Tips for managing autism-related tantrums
It is impossible to prevent all autism meltdowns. However, the following tips can help reduce their frequency and intensity:
Stick to a schedule
Children with autism thrive on routine. Try to keep consistent meal, bedtime, school and activity schedules. Prepare them in advance for any changes.
Avoid sensory overload
Pay attention to what overwhelms your child – noises, lights, textures – and limit exposure. Carry noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and comfort objects.
Teach coping skills
Help your child learn to express feelings and calm down using strategies like deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball or retreating to a quiet space.
Use visual schedules
Post picture schedules showing daily activities. Cross tasks off as they are completed so the child knows what to expect next.
Provide outlets
Children with autism often have pent-up energy and stress. Provide physical outlets like jogging, trampolines or soft pillows to hit.
Intervene early
Learn to spot meltdown warning signs like flapping hands or pacing. Divert the tantrum before it escalates by distracting or relocating your child.
Stay calm
Speak softly and avoid eye contact during tantrums. Do not yell or punish your child for meltdowns they cannot control.
Comfort after tantrums
After a meltdown, comfort your child with a soothing activity like a tight hug, rocking or taking a warm bath together. Do not force them to apologize or discuss the tantrum.
With preparation and the right response, parents can help minimize the impact of autism-related tantrums on the child and family. If meltdowns become a safety risk or show no improvement, seek help from your child’s doctor and autism therapists.
When to seek professional help for autism-related tantrums
Consult your pediatrician or an autism specialist if your child’s meltdowns:
- Cause injury to your child or others
- Increase in frequency, intensity or duration
- Disrupt learning and social activities
- Cause major distress for your child or family
- Persist after age 5 with no improvement
A number of medications and behavioral therapies for autism can help reduce tantrum frequency and teach self-regulation skills.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, alpha-2 agonists or other drugs to control emotional outbursts and repetitive behaviors. Medication should always be combined with behavior therapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapists use positive reinforcement and repetition to teach social, communication and coping skills. This can help autistic children express anger appropriately and self-soothe.
Speech therapy
A speech-language pathologist can show your child how to use pictures, sign language or technology to communicate feelings rather than tantrum.
Social skills training
This teaches autistic children how to manage anger, ask for help and cope with stress through modeling, role playing and coaching.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists address sensory issues that may underlie meltdowns by using brushing, compression, activities and desensitization techniques.
While tantrums are a normal part of early childhood, frequent severe tantrums that start early and persist past age 3 can signal an autism spectrum disorder. Careful tracking of tantrum patterns along with professional support can help families find effective ways to manage meltdowns. With the right tools, autistic children can learn better self-regulation skills as they grow.
Conclusion
In summary, frequent intense tantrums that come on suddenly, last a long time, and are not resolved with comfort are red flags for a possible autism spectrum disorder. Autism-related meltdowns are due to excessive stimulation and difficulty with emotional regulation. While some tantrums are inevitable, there are many ways parents can help prevent or minimize tantrums at home and in public. Professional therapies and medications may be needed if self-injury, aggression or interference with learning occurs. With compassion, patience and support, autistic children can be taught skills to express and regulate their emotions in healthier ways.