Meltdowns are not just limited to autism. They are a result of the body's physiological fight-or-flight response, triggering surges of adrenaline and causing the body to react as if in a life-or-death situation.
The most common cause of meltdowns is sensory overload, which can be experienced by anyone who has sensory integration issues. Examples of triggers include loud music, protests, long-range acoustic device weaponry, or even being yelled at.
During a meltdown, the person will need to find a safe place to escape to, typically somewhere quiet and dark. If they are unable to do so or if the sensory stimulation continues, the meltdown will intensify.
What does a Meltdown Feel like?
The threshold for sensory stimulation that an individual can endure can vary from day to day. When this threshold is exceeded, additional stimulation can result in sensory overload, where the mind becomes overwhelmed. Even during normal circumstances, certain noises like metal scraping on metal or loud voices, bright lights, and scratchy clothing can cause pain and discomfort. However, during sensory overload, these sensations can be significantly intensified.
Every individual experiences meltdowns differently. During a meltdown, the intensity of emotions and sensations can be overwhelming, making it difficult to comprehend and recall your feelings later. These episodes often involve a combination of intense negative emotions, an adrenaline rush, mental breakdown, and panic attack all rolled into one. After experiencing a meltdown, it feels as though you have been struck by a truck, have the flu, and have just completed a marathon. You end up feeling exhausted, icky, and much more emotionally vulnerable.
During a meltdown, one can lose control and exhibit behaviors such as screaming, shouting, dropping to the ground, throwing things, kicking, punching, or crying inconsolably. In some cases, the individual might not be able to do anything but rock back and forth to cope with the overwhelming emotions.
Following a meltdown, there is a crucial period where you need to be alone to recharge and practice self-care. This involves giving yourself tender loving care (TLC) and taking quiet time to restore your energy levels.
Common Meltdown Cause: Prolonged Stress or Anxiety
- Anxiety over a prolonged period of time.
- Increased meltdowns due to increased responsibilities and demands.
- Changes in routine can be difficult and lead to meltdowns (e.g., sleep schedule changes and disrupted work routines).
- Requires downtime to recharge, be alone, and rest.
- Lack of unstructured downtime leads to increased stress, meltdowns, and burnout.
How do I help my autistic loved one through meltdowns?
The best method for dealing with meltdowns is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
It is important to accommodate sensory needs, as many meltdowns are an indication of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Examples of such problems include bullying, over-scheduling, abuse, and a lack of accommodations in daily life.
Meltdowns do not occur randomly or without cause. There is always a contributing or triggering factor.
The most effective and healthful strategies for self-regulation include:
- Restricting the amount of sensory information that is perceived.
- Managing sensory stimulation.
- Finding ways to express oneself.
Practical examples of these strategies include: - Providing noise-canceling headphones to block out unwanted noise.
- Wearing a hat with a brim to block out bright lights.
- Wearing secondhand clothing that has been worn down to a more comfortable texture.
- Avoiding situations or places that may be bothersome.
Conclusion
This post contains strategies for managing autistic meltdowns. It emphasizes the importance of self-checks to prevent meltdowns and suggests accommodating autistic individuals by allowing them to engage in coping activities. While meltdowns can be challenging for loved ones to witness, they are significantly more distressing for the person experiencing them.
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