autisticrosalina:

I have a friend w ADHD who called her meltdowns “tantrums” until I asked her about them. I asked if she had them on purpose to get a result, or if they happened naturally when she’s overwhelmed and everything is too much to handle. She said the latter sounded more accurate, and that she didn’t know there was a word for it. Now she calls what she has meltdowns, and knows that they’re not because of her temper, and hopefully knows that it’s not her fault that she has them. She at least knows that I have them too.

This is why neurodiverse terminology is important! It makes people feel less alone and less to blame for what they can’t help. And it strengthens neurodiverse friendships 🙂