Troy Montero Reveals How They Handle Their Daughter’s Tantrums
How do Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles differentiate Rocket’s emotional meltdown from a tantrum?
When kids have ASD, they tend to have difficulty verbalizing or expressing their big feelings in a socially acceptable way. But sometimes, it can be challenging to tell the difference between an emotional meltdown from a tantrum. They both involve the kids crying, throwing things, and screaming. But celebrity dad Troy Montero points out an interesting difference that is unique to meltdowns that aren’t usually in tantrums when he witnessed Rocket struggling with expressing her frustration.
Meltdown vs. Tantrum: What’s Difference?
Meltdowns are the last thing we parents want to deal with in a public place. But it happens. Something that Troy Montero confirms, “Many of us are familiar with the challenges of handling our child’s meltdown, usually triggered by feeling uncomfortable, unsafe, unsure, or confused in certain situations, like boarding a plane or being stuck in heavy traffic.”
But meltdowns are not ones that subside quickly. These usually end when the child becomes exhausted from crying and screaming. It’s also usually caused by something that is not directly affecting them. Kids with ASD, especially those who are prone to sensory overload, are prone to meltdowns because their minds are struggling to process all the information and need to release it immediately before it causes further mental damage.
On the other hand, tantrums often happen, as Troy reveals, quite suddenly. “These [tantrums] tend to occur when Rocket is frustrated because things don’t go her way. These episodes can happen suddenly, even during routine activities. Like everyone else, some days are better than others.”
He adds that Rocket’s compounding frustration with her inability to arrange things the way she wants can also make her highly resistant to help. “As parents, we remain close by and offer support, even though she may not want us to interfere. Sometimes, physically helping her during these activities can prolong the tantrum,” Troy shares. “But allowing her space to solve things herself tends to lead to calming down.”
And we can see the video he posted. When he tries to help her, Rocket insists she does it herself by pushing his hand away. Instead of imposing, he and Audrey shadow Rocket while she figures it out. Eventually, her tantrum stops as she finally arranges things the way she wants them to.
Troy Montero: “Patience is crucial.”
Especially when kids develop differently than predicted, it takes a lot of patience and understanding to see beyond the meltdowns and tantrums. Sometimes, it becomes difficult and overwhelming to see past them. Yet, those are the days that all the more we must. Because when we already struggle, what about the rest? And although the world is slowly learning how to see through the eyes of those with ASD, it still falls to us to be a mediator for those who don’t understand.
More about ASD or raising kids with ASD?
How Tony Snell’s Late Autism Diagnosis Helped Him and His Son
10 Things Parents Must Know About Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism: In The Eyes of A Child And Now, An Adult – Modern Parenting
