{"id":25581,"date":"2026-05-05T16:35:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T20:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/?p=25581"},"modified":"2026-05-05T17:53:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T21:53:16","slug":"2-year-old-meltdowns-toddler-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/blog\/2-year-old-meltdowns-toddler-behavior\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My 2-Year-Old Have Meltdowns? Understanding Toddler Behavior"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"25581\" class=\"elementor elementor-25581\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7213d3d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7213d3d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35d506a elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"35d506a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTabla de contenido\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__35d506a\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Abrir el \u00edndice\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__35d506a\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Cerrar \u00edndice\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__35d506a\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4b13f4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b4b13f4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de1c088 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"de1c088\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You\u2019re in the middle of a normal day and suddenly a small change or some discomfort, that seems minor at first, triggers it: your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/blog\/sensory-sensitivity-in-toddlers\/\"><strong>child cries, screams, or collapses<\/strong><\/a> on the floor, and nothing you say seems to help. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even a little alarming.<\/p><p>If you\u2019re dealing with 2-year-old meltdowns, this blog of <strong>ABA Centers of New Jersey<\/strong> is here to bring you clarity. This is one of the most common challenges parents face at this age; the good news is that these moments are often a normal part of development.<\/p><p>Understanding <em>why<\/em> meltdowns happen can make them easier to respond to and less stressful for both you and your child.<\/p><h2><strong>3 Reasons Why 2-Year-Old Meltdowns Are So Common<\/strong><\/h2><p>En <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/blog\/daily-signs-of-asd-at-2-years-old\/\"><strong>age two<\/strong><\/a>, your child is going through rapid emotional and developmental changes. They\u2019re learning how to express themselves, manage frustration, and navigate a world that often feels overwhelming.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd14e33 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"dd14e33\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5b68c8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b5b68c8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a76079 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4a76079\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK544286\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>StatPearls<\/strong><\/a> notes that these intense emotional reactions are especially common between ages 2 and 3, as children begin to develop independence and emotional awareness.<\/p><p>Several factors contribute to 2-year-old meltdowns:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Big emotions, limited control: <\/strong>Toddlers feel emotions intensely, but they don\u2019t yet have the ability to regulate them.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d413d6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8d413d6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80dac1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"80dac1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/overwhelmed-toddler-behavior-red-shirt.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-25582\" alt=\"Child in a red shirt overwhelmed and crying, illustrating a meltdown\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/overwhelmed-toddler-behavior-red-shirt.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/overwhelmed-toddler-behavior-red-shirt-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/overwhelmed-toddler-behavior-red-shirt-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/overwhelmed-toddler-behavior-red-shirt-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/overwhelmed-toddler-behavior-red-shirt-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-186f6aa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"186f6aa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74dcd2b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"74dcd2b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><strong>Developing communication skills<\/strong>: Even if your child is learning to talk, they may not have the words to express what they need or feel. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7946112\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>investigaciones<\/strong><\/a> shows that toddlers with fewer words may experience more frequent or intense tantrums. This suggests that limited expressive language can contribute to frustration while trying to communicate.<\/li><li><strong>Brain development<\/strong>: The part of the brain responsible for self-regulation is still developing. During this stage, children rely on their caregivers to help regulate their emotions before they can manage these responses independently.<\/li><\/ul><p>These are the reasons why meltdowns are not about \u201cbad behavior\u201d; they\u2019re about feelings of overwhelm.<\/p><h2><strong>Meltdown vs Tantrum: Why the Difference Matters<\/strong><\/h2><p>Understanding the difference between a <strong>meltdown vs tantrum<\/strong> can completely change how you respond.<\/p><p>Un <strong>meltdown<\/strong> happens when a child becomes emotionally overloaded and can no longer cope with what they\u2019re feeling.<\/p><p>During 2-year-old meltdowns, your child may:<\/p><ul><li>Cry intensely<\/li><li>Scream or shout<\/li><li>Throw themselves on the floor<\/li><li>Push away comfort or interaction<\/li><\/ul><p>In these moments, your child isn\u2019t choosing to behave this way. Their brain is overwhelmed, and they don\u2019t yet have the skills to calm themselves down.<\/p><p>Un <strong>tantrum<\/strong> is usually goal-driven. It happens when a child wants something and doesn\u2019t get it. In many cases, the behavior may stop if the situation changes.<\/p><h3><strong>Common Triggers Behind 2-Year-Old Meltdowns<\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-997cfce e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"997cfce\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4d61f7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e4d61f7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26ebfad elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"26ebfad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/toddler-meltdown-on-bed.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-25587\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/toddler-meltdown-on-bed.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/toddler-meltdown-on-bed-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/toddler-meltdown-on-bed-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/toddler-meltdown-on-bed-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/toddler-meltdown-on-bed-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-370eb42 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"370eb42\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b74df7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b74df7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Meltdowns rarely come out of nowhere. They\u2019re often triggered by something that feels overwhelming to your child.<\/p><p>Some of the most common triggers are:<\/p><ul><li>Fatigue or hunger<\/li><li>Too much noise or activity<\/li><li>Changes in routine or transitions<\/li><li>Frustration from not being understood<\/li><\/ul><p>Sometimes, what seems small to you can feel like too much for your child all at once.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b34221 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9b34221\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-437d43e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"437d43e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><strong>How Sensory Experiences Can Lead to Overwhelm<\/strong><\/h2><p>Some 2-year-old meltdowns are connected to sensory overload.<\/p><p>For example:<\/p><ul><li>Loud sounds \u2192 distress \u2192 covering ears or crying<\/li><li>Busy environments \u2192 overstimulation \u2192 shutdown<\/li><li>Uncomfortable textures \u2192 frustration \u2192 refusal<\/li><\/ul><p>For some children, emotional responses are closely linked to the sensory input they perceive from the environment. <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10803-022-05839-x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>investigaciones<\/strong><\/a> suggests that differences in sensory processing can contribute to difficulties with emotional regulation, which may increase the likelihood of strong behavioral reactions when a child becomes overwhelmed.<\/p><p>This doesn\u2019t necessarily mean something is wrong; it often just means your child is still learning to process their environment.<\/p><h2><strong>When Meltdowns Start to Feel Different<\/strong><\/h2><p>Most 2-year-old meltdowns are a normal part of development, but it\u2019s important to observe patterns over time, as they can provide helpful insight as behaviors progress and your child grows.<\/p><p>You may want to take a closer look at meltdowns if they:<\/p><ul><li>Happen very frequently or intensely<\/li><li>Last longer than expected<\/li><li>Are difficult for your child to recover from<\/li><li>Interfere with everyday activities<\/li><\/ul><p>Clinical guidance from the <a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/145\/1\/e20193447\/36917\/Identification-Evaluation-and-Management-of\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/strong><\/a> emphasizes that when behavioral patterns are unusually frequent or intense, or interfere with daily functioning, further evaluation may be helpful in better understanding a child\u2019s developmental needs.<\/p><h2><strong>How Meltdowns Can Relate to Developmental Differences<\/strong><\/h2><p>Meltdowns can sometimes be part of broader developmental differences, but they are not a sign on their own.<\/p><p>Some children who experience autistic meltdowns may become overwhelmed more easily due to differences in communication, sensory processing, or emotional regulation. In these cases, sensory input and emotional responses may interact in ways that increase the likelihood of overwhelm.<\/p><p>However, many toddlers have meltdowns without any underlying condition.<\/p><p>When meltdowns are connected to autism, they usually appear alongside other patterns, such as:<\/p><ul><li>Differences in communication<\/li><li>Limited social interaction<\/li><li>Comportamientos repetitivos<\/li><\/ul><h2><strong>How You Can Help Your Child in the Middle of a Meltdown<\/strong><\/h2><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25585 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Parent kneeling on the ground hugging a young child during an emotional moment\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/comforting-parent-toddler-during-2-year-old-meltdown.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p><p>When your child is in the middle of a meltdown, your role shifts from correcting behavior to helping them feel safe.<\/p><p>During early childhood, children rely on caregivers to help regulate their emotional world, a process often described as co-regulation. These are some helpful steps you can follow:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Stay calm &#8211; <\/strong>Your child needs a steady, reassuring presence.<\/li><li><strong>Reduce stimulation &#8211; <\/strong>Move to a quieter space if possible.<\/li><li><strong>Offer comfort (if accepted) &#8211; <\/strong>Some children want closeness, others need space.<\/li><li><strong>Avoid reasoning in the moment &#8211;<\/strong> Your child may not be able to process language right now.<\/li><li><strong>Focus on safety first &#8211;<\/strong> Let the moment pass while keeping your child safe.<\/li><\/ol><h3><strong>Ways to Reduce Meltdowns Over Time<\/strong><\/h3><p>You can\u2019t prevent every meltdown, but you can reduce how often they happen. You can try these strategies:<\/p><ul><li>Keep consistent routines<\/li><li>Prepare your child for transitions<\/li><li>Watch for early signs of overwhelm<\/li><li>Support their communication (words, gestures, choices)<\/li><li>Allow breaks when needed<\/li><\/ul><p>Over time, consistent support helps children build their own emotional regulation skills.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd1bb40 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"dd1bb40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/servicios-para-el-autismo\/terapia-aba-para-ninos\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Learn About Autism Support<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10c4ba0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"10c4ba0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7294b4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7294b4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><strong>When It Might Be Time to Ask for Extra Support with ABA Centers of New Jersey<\/strong><\/h2><p>Meltdowns can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/blog\/agotamiento-del-cuidador\/\"><strong>feel overwhelming<\/strong><\/a>, but they\u2019re often part of how children learn to manage big emotions. If your child\u2019s 2-year-old meltdowns feel frequent, intense, or difficult to manage, it\u2019s okay to ask for guidance.<\/p><p>You can start by:<\/p><ul><li>Tracking patterns and triggers<\/li><li>Observing how your child responds in different situations<\/li><li>Talking with your pediatrician<\/li><li>Reaching out to our team to ask for guidance through this process<\/li><\/ul><p>Seeking support isn\u2019t about labeling, it\u2019s about understanding your child\u2019s needs and finding helpful strategies. These moments are not just challenges; they\u2019re part of their learning process.<\/p><p>With time, support, and consistent responses, most children begin to handle these situations with more control and confidence.<\/p><p>If you have concerns about meltdowns related to autism or have questions about your child\u2019s behavior, our team at <strong>ABA Centers of New Jersey<\/strong> can guide you toward the next step with confidence. You can reach out via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/contactanos\/\">formulario de contacto<\/a> or call <a href=\"tel:+18556407888\"><strong>(855) 640-7888<\/strong><\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2-year-old meltdowns can feel overwhelming, for both you and your child.<br \/>\nBut these reactions often come from emotional overload, not bad behavior.<br \/>\nUnderstanding the difference between a meltdown vs tantrum, and when it could be related to autistic meltdowns, can change how you respond and support your child.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":25586,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[135,259,145],"class_list":["post-25581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-autism-challenges","tag-meltdowns","tag-sensory-sensitivities"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25581"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25581\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abacentersnj.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}