NHS Autism Space1 Autism Speaks2
Meltdowns are often the result of situations with high demand in one or a few of the following areas:
- Social situations (for example social anxiety or misunderstandings)
- Sensory overload (for example to much noise, light, itchy clothes)
- Experiencing changes and unpredictable things
- Basic Needs (for example overtired, hungry, thirsty, in pain)
- Very emotional situations
It can look like it is something really tiny that’s triggered a meltdown but in reality it is usually a build-up of multiple factors.
Before experiencing a meltdown, many people will show signs of distress beforehand such as pacing, repetitive questioning or signs of anxiety. They also might lose the ability to mask. It is possible to prevent this from escalating by removing the potential triggers, distraction, or diversion.
Autistic individuals are more vulnerable to meltdowns when they are fatigued, as fatigue can contribute to sensory and emotional overload, making it harder to cope with stressors. Fatigue can exacerbate the challenges of navigating social situations, sensory inputs, and communication difficulties, which are common triggers for meltdowns. Additionally, prolonged periods of stress and fatigue can lead to a phase known as burnout, where the individual experiences fatigue, feelings of being overwhelmed, and struggles with cognition, further increasing the likelihood of a meltdown occurring
“A shutdown is again usually caused by sensory, emotional or informational overwhelm – this time leading to feeling or becoming unresponsive, dissociative, numb – Sometimes resulting in situational mutism (where one is unable to communicate or speak)”
– Quote from CAPTAP. Click here to view the full document from CAPTAP
A shutdown has similar feelings as a meltdown however instead of being shown outwardly they are all trapped inside. A shutdown is the equivalent of the ‘freeze’ response when the brain chooses between fight, flight, or freeze. They can be caused by the same things as with meltdowns and are usually a response to sensory overload.
A person having a shutdown might:
- Find it difficult to speak or might not talk at all.
- Want to hide away somewhere dark and alone or curl up in bed.
- Feel like they suddenly have no energy at all and want to sleep or find it difficult to move.
- Have less patience and difficulty regulating emotions.
- Increased stimming.
- Making decisions becomes impossible.
- Difficulty regulating temperature.
- Masking more than usual.
Firstly, try not to judge! Meltdowns and shutdown are not something that an autistic person can control and getting upset or angry with them will only make the situation worse.
The best thing you can do is letting them know that you’re there with them to support them. Avoid asking questions, giving information or instructions, or using restrictive methods. Any of these would likely make the situation worse. Different people will have different triggers and responses, the best thing is to discuss their needs when they’re calm. That way you can agree a plan for the best way to deal with a meltdown or shutdown.
While in a meltdown a person can injure themselves or others however the newest guidance is to use the least restrictive methods possible to help the person feel calmer and more comfortable.
Some things you can try when a meltdown or shutdown is happening (but it’s always best to discuss this with your autistic person first if you can):
- When responding to a meltdown try and match your energy to the person so if they are shouting and lashing out then it could be best to approach with a firm voice and some level of energy in your body language; if they are very quiet and not moving much, it will be best for you to use a calm, quiet voice and be quite still.
- Give them time. It can take a while to recover from sensory overload or situation overwhelm.
- Try to create a quiet, safe space as best you can. Remove any objects/people/sounds that are creating sensory overload if possible.
- For helping a person to calm down from a meltdown try giving them a rolled-up towel (or coat or something strong and made of fabric) and get them to give it a very big twist – then let go, twist again, repeat. You can model this and join in. You can also encourage them to practise this when they are calmer so that it easier to remember when they are not so calm.
- Breathing techniques can also help. For example: breathe in for a count of 3, hold for 3, breath out for 6…. This can help to reset the mind and body.
How to help prevent a meltdown or shutdown happening in the first place
You can try and avoid a meltdown or shutdown from happening in the first place by identifying and eliminating some of the triggers listed earlier in this article. Which of these are applicable will depend very much on the individual.
Autistic people get a lot of benefit from spending time doing the things they love (often called ‘special interests’) Click here to see an article on special interests.
It can help regulate emotions, feel calmer and give more thinking space and energy for dealing with other challenges – it’s just like recharging a battery! If you can, help to find plenty of opportunities and offer encouragement to take part in any interests or hobbies. This can go a long way to helping an autistic person.
Regular exercise and physical activity can help regulate emotions and thus can help reduce the likelihood of a meltdown or shutdown. For example going for a walk or vigorous hoovering. Lots of autistic people say that walking particularly helps to process your thoughts and make you feel better through the repetitive movement.
Depending on individual needs most autistic people will have a particular sensory input which they find soothing and regulating. Keeping these to hand can be helpful so they are always available for that person. For example squishy balls or nice smelling essential oils.
Even with good prevention strategies in place, the reality for many autistic adults is that meltdowns still happen. So it’s also good to have strategies for getting through and moving past them.
Talking to the people closest to you can help them understand what you are experiencing and how they can best support you. Perhaps they can point out if they’re noticing early warning signs, assist with communication or help you find a quiet space if you’re in public.
You can also practice some common calming techniques like deep breathing, yoga, music and art therapy. Tutorials and videos are readily available for free online if you are not yet in a place to take part in a community activity. Whatever you choose should be low to no stress and have no expectation attached other than for you to be kind to yourself.