Tantrum or Meltdown? How to Tell the Difference in Neurodivergent Kids If you have ever squinted at your child mid-crisis wondering, “Which one is this?” you are asking the right question. A tantrum has a goal. A meltdown has no brakes. One needs steady limits. The other needs safety and calm space. When you can spot the difference, you stop reacting to the noise and start responding to the need. That clarity changes everything for both of you. #autism #meltdown #tantrum | Dr. Mark Bowers