Managing Meltdowns: An Exploration of the Context Related to Meltdowns in Autism Spectrum Disorder

• In Event: Poster Session 06
  In Poster Session: PS 06 Topic - Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social communication and social interaction (APA, 2013). While tantrum behavior is not considered a criterion for ASD diagnosis, there is some indication that tantrums occur more frequently and to a greater intensity for children on the spectrum (Konst, Matson, & Turygin, 2013). Some authors propose using the term “meltdown” instead of “tantrum” due to the differences in antecedent, function, and presentation. Additionally, the development of a meltdown does not frequently depend on the actions of other individuals and can be uncontrollable (Lipsky, 2011 as cited in Montaque, Dallos, &McKenzie, 2018). While there is minimal academic research on this topic, numerous online articles and discussion forums provide suggestions on the origin of ASD meltdowns and categorization of challenging behaviors. Using a content analysis, this study’s objective was to determine triggers, behavioral characteristics, and environmental contexts for meltdowns in children with ASD. These factors, in addition to demographic data, were ascertained to more accurately characterize meltdowns within this population.

Using the Facebook page of Autism Speaks, one of the leading autism advocacy organizations in the United States, 75 articles were systematically sampled from a total of 899 posted articles on the subject of meltdowns or related terms (e.g., tantrum, outburst, fit). Nine articles were no longer available through the Facebook page and an additional eight articles were eliminated because they were duplicates. This yielded 58 articles for analysis, with an accompanying 7,214 comments. For each comment, the frequency of specific meltdown triggers, location of the meltdown, and meltdown behaviors were considered. Additionally, demographic data including the age and gender of the person with ASD and relationship of the commenter to the individual with ASD were recorded. Frequencies of behaviors and contexts as well as percentages (out of all the meltdowns that were reported) can be found in Tables 1 and 2. Most frequently, authors referred to sensory overload, auditory sensation, and change in routine as the cause of ASD meltdowns; restaurants were mentioned as the most common meltdown location. Aggression and screaming were the most frequently reported behaviors.

The data is currently being analyzed with respect to demographic characteristics (e.g., age and gender) to determine if these behavioral and contextual characterizations are dependent on demographic differences.

Authors

• Margaret Fritsch, Clemson University
  Presenting Author

• Macy Calvasina, Clemson University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer Bailey Grandits, Clemson University
  Non-Presenting Author