Because the world is designed based onneurotypicalstandards and needs, many environments can be overwhelming for autistic people.
When anautistic personbecomes overwhelmed to the point that they can no longerself-regulate, they may experience an autistic meltdown.
What Is an Autistic Meltdown?
Pepino de Mar studio / Stocksy
For an autistic person, a meltdown is a response to overwhelm.
Meltdowns can be unsafe for multiple reasons.
The person having a meltdown might hurt themselves or someone else.
A meltdown is different from ashutdown, which autistic people can also experience as a result of overwhelm.
Why Do Meltdowns Happen?
Autistic people have increased sensory sensitivity partly due to neurobiological differences from non-autistics.
In early development, our brains have more than 100 billionneurons.
As neurotypicals develop, their brains prune down to approximately 85 billion neurons.
For autistics with lower interoception, this can lead to meltdowns.
Additionally, people can express emotions and distress differently.
In fact, many autistic individuals express emotion in ways that do not appear typical.
As such, there is not one handy list of meltdown warning signs.
If you are autistic, pay attention to signs that you are starting to struggle.
If you support an autistic person, take note of behaviors occurring just before a meltdown.
Because I basically shut myself down.
as well asself-medicationlike using alcohol or drugs.
Like, What are you upset about and let’s fix that.
At first, my neurotypical partner could only see irrational outbursts that frightened him.
He just held me (not in a way that was confining but was comforting).
And my body processed it through and the calm came on my own.
Give space tode-escalatesafely and at their own pace.
Care and Support After a Meltdown
Meltdowns are exhausting and draining.
After a meltdown, the autistic person will need rest.
It is better to offer support.
In fact, Debra suggested not bringing it up, ever, if I dont bring it up.
Additionally, she recommends giving as much space as the autistic person needs.
Instead, give them space in an environment that fits their sensory needs.
Listen, be present, and accept that this person handles life differently from you.
With affirming and compassionate support, they can experience fewer meltdowns and receive appropriate care when meltdowns occur.
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