I
was listening to a webinar about autism and couldn't help noticing
there are a LOT of autism symptoms that have been a part of my life
for as long as I can remember. But not all of the essential ones, so
I don't think I'm autistic. I just think there are symptoms in
common between autism and C-PTSD? Or C-PTSD as I experience it.
The
one that really caught my attention, causing me to pause the webinar
and start writing, is the difference between meltdowns and tantrums.
Meltdowns have plagued me as long as I can remember, at least, since
the age of 5. And I know that I've often been accused of having
tantrums, wanting to get my way- but I know that's not it at all! I
have a serious problem with sensory overload, and I get frustrated
and overwhelmed when I can't think.
I
used to believe I was an introvert, because I often needed to be
alone and did not do well in groups of people. This is very true
when more than one conversation is going on. And it happens when
someone turns the bass of up high on their stereo. I love loud
music- unless the walls are shaking. Then it totally freaks me out.
I love rhythm, and love melody. I hate discordant sounds as you
often hear in jazz. It just makes me nervous. And it's often been
hard for me to explain why I cover my ears and run from a roomful of
people..... or someone's booming stereo, or just plain old refuse to
go to some events. If I'm relaxed to begin with, I may do ok for
awhile. But if I'm already stressed from other things in my life- I
will have a meltdown quite easily.
To
summarize, a meltdown is a reaction to over-stimulation. A result of
being overwhelmed with all the things going on around the person. A
tantrum is getting upset because a person isn't getting their way.
It would really help if people learned the difference, especially
teachers, and parents, and – oh everyone!
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