Good Grief...Tantrums A Mental Disorder?? Really!??

[jojosmommy]

*zipping up flame suit*

I think an important part of this is the "frequent & severe" as it applies to temper tantrums. It depends on what they consider "frequent" as well as "severe." I think they should also add "duration" to that.

I'm on my phone so I'm not going to make a big post but I don't necessarily believe they are talking about standard tantrums. Additionally, a diagnosis of this may open the door for professionals to implement behavior modification plans and guide parents who are at a loss for what to do.

The biggest issue that I see is seperating the kids who have an actual underlying issue versus the ones who get what they want if they scream long enough.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree with this. I had for two years a child in my care who finally recieved a diagnosis of autism based on the fact that he (at 4) would regularly have 45minute-2 hour fits over things like changes in routine, and like someone mentioned articles of clothing. He also could not talk, had regressed in many areas but MOM was finally seeking help because she understood that the tantrums of that length and severity at his age were unappropriate. She had no clue about development otherwise. So if nothing else it gives parents one more thing to clue into if they are unsure about what is typical and when to seek help if its not typical.

[Countrygal]

JUST temper tantrums would be rediculous! But I am under the understanding that certain behaviors associated with temper tantrums can give clues to things like sensory disorders and, yes, autism or aspergers.

Severe, prolonged temper tantrums accompanied by certain behaviors I thought were something they already looked for when diagnosing some disorders.

For example, a friend of mine has a child with autism. His tantrums are not "normal". He fixates, they are extremely prolonged (hours), he cannot be distracted or coaxed out of them, even if you would give in on the original issue, and often then happen because of things that noone can even pinpoint. They are, however, accompanied by other symptoms. Obsessive/compulsive behavior, obsession with bodily emissions, incomprehension (at age 3+) of not acceptable behavior (like eating feces), and other obvious behaviors that would have anyone questioning.

I don't think that any child psychologist would say that a "temper tantrum" is a disorder. I surely hope not. I think the article was not very well written and it sounded pretty biased and weighted. But that is just IMO.