DS is 7. We probably have on average 3-4 big meltdowns a week, sometimes more (more than one in a day) sometimes less. I don’t know what other 7 year olds are like in terms of their ability to regulate.
These meltdowns are over seemingly minor things (to us), perceived unfairness, not being able to finish something to his satisfaction, having to leave for school mid activity. We usually have a meltdown if we go out to shops. We do what we can to keep him regulated but it often feels like it’s going to happen whatever we do - like the frustration just needs to come out.
He is on the waiting list for an autism assessment.
But all this is saved for us. In the presence of others he appears a neurotypical boy. I know that he might be masking but I’m finding it hard to always be looked at like I’m mad for suggesting neurodiversity. He’s clever and a rule follower at school so one of the top of his class for the points based reward system. In their minds - model pupil.
So would a neurotypical 7 year old scream and shout for a full hour over a missing piece from a puzzle?