Understanding Autistic Meltdowns and Shutdowns

Meltdowns and shutdowns are intense, uncontrollable responses to overwhelm. Many autistic people of all ages and backgrounds have meltdowns and shutdowns, but these responses are often misunderstood by the general public. This guide to meltdowns and shutdowns is written by an autistic person and is designed for autistic people, those with autistic loved ones, and those who simply wish to learn more.

Understanding Meltdowns

When somebody is experiencing high levels of anxiety or overwhelm, the brain signals the release of stress hormones, which trigger the ‘fight, flight, freeze or fawn’ response. For autistic people, this can trigger a meltdown, which is equivalent to the ‘fight’ response.

Meltdowns can manifest in many ways, with some common behaviours including:

·      Shouting/screaming

·      Crying

·      Growling/making noises

·      Kicking

·      Hitting

·      Flapping limbs

·      Self-injury

Meltdowns are not ‘temper tantrums’, nor are they a result of malicious intentions. They occur when an autistic person is so overwhelmed and distressed that they lose control of their behaviours and are unable to express themselves in any other way.

Meltdowns can be triggered by many factors and are often due to the build-up of multiple factors. Because autistic people interpret information and sensory stimuli differently to non-autistic people, things that may seem ‘insignificant’ to an outsider may be very overwhelming for an autistic person.

Some common factors that may trigger a meltdown include:

·      Sensory overload/overwhelm (e.g. bright lighting, loud/overlapping sounds, crowds, itchy clothing, food tastes and textures, strong smells).

·      Social situations (especially social misunderstandings and unfamiliar social situations).

·      Experiencing change and unpredictable circumstances.

·      Bodily cues (e.g. hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, pain, illness).

·      Emotional situations.

Some people will show signs of distress leading up to a meltdown. For example, they may appear to be agitated, show signs of anxiety (e.g. shaking, sweating or continuously seeking assurance) or stim more frequently (e.g. pacing up and down or fidgeting). In some occasions, it can be possible to prevent distress from escalating into a meltdown by removing triggers and diverting attention with distractions.

How to support somebody who is having a meltdown

·      Do not judge – meltdowns are uncontrollable and are the result of intense stress. Shaming the behaviour or labelling it as a ‘temper tantrum’ will not help.

·      Tell the person that you are there for them. However, do not constantly talk or try to touch them as this can add to the overwhelm.

·      Avoid asking questions or giving instructions.

·      Match the person’s energy. For example, use a firm voice if they’re shouting and a quiet voice if they’re quiet.

·      Give them time. It can take a long time to recover from a meltdown.

·      Try to remove any triggers. For example, if a bright light in the house could be a trigger, turn it off if you can. Similarly, if you’re in a crowded environment, lead the person to a quieter space if they have the capacity to co-operate.

·      Offer a grounding object to the person (e.g. a fidget toy, favourite plush toy or figure).

·      Different people have different needs. Discuss the things that could help the person when the meltdown has passed.

Understanding shutdowns

Shutdowns are caused by sensory, emotional and/or informational overwhelm (much like meltdowns) and are the equivalent to the ‘freeze’ response.

Shutdowns can manifest in many ways, with some common behaviours including:

·       Find it difficult to speak or lose the ability to speak (known as going non-verbal).

·       Isolate themselves and/or feel the need to be alone.

·       Become intolerant to light or any kind of sensory input.

·       Have an intense need to hide away in an isolated space, such as their bedroom.

·       Experience extreme fatigue and/or lose the ability to move.

·       Have reduced patience and ability to regulate emotions.

·       Become indecisive.

·       Experience difficulties regulating temperature (too hot or too cold).

·       Mask more than usual.

Meltdowns and shutdowns share many of the same triggers. Any situation that has the potential to cause distress, such as sensory overload, social situations and change, can trigger a shutdown. Like meltdowns, shutdowns can be mis-interpreted by outsiders. When somebody is having a shutdown, they are not being ‘anti-social’; they are extremely overwhelmed/distressed and need space to regulate.

How to support somebody having a shutdown

·      Do not try and force them to ‘snap out of it’ or force them into uncomfortable situations. Shutdowns are not a choice, and this is likely to cause further harm.

·      Try not to judge; they’re not trying to be ‘anti-social’.

·      Give them plenty of time and space. If they want to be alone, respect this.

·      Try to create a quiet, safe space if possible.

·      Ask them if there’s anything that you can do, but don’t force a response or reaction.

·      After the shutdown, ask the person what they would find to be helpful if the situation were to occur again.

How to support yourself and advocate for your needs:

·      Identify your triggers by reflecting on the things that cause you to become overwhelmed, and the things that have triggered meltdowns/shutdowns in the past.

·      Communicate your triggers and anything that can be done to reduce exposure to them with your support network.

·      Prepare for potential triggers by keeping items such as noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses on-hand.

·      Create a list of the things that may help you during a meltdowns/shutdown and keep them on-hand. Some useful items may include fidget toys/grounding objects, ice packs or heat packs.

·      Practice self-care after a meltdown or shutdown and keep regulating items on-hand. For example, if you experience dehydration and dizziness after meltdowns or shutdowns, you may find it helpful to carry rehydration sachets, water and safe snacks with you.

·      Let your loved ones know how they can identify a meltdown or shutdown and suggest ways in which they can support you if a meltdown/shutdown were to occur. For example, if you need space, communicate this with trusted people who you spend a lot of time with.

Ways to reduce the chance of a meltdown or shutdown occurring

·      Identify triggers in advanced so that you can try and avoid them to the best of your ability. Many triggers cannot be eliminated, but you could try and limit your exposure/your loved one’s exposure to them.

·      Carry disability aids such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses and fidget toys around with you.

·      Carry a comfort/grounding item around with you, such as a soft toy.

·      Try anxiety-management techniques such as breathing exercises and mindfulness at the first sign of distress.

·      If familiar sensory input is something that can be calming for you or your loved one, you could prepare a playlist of calming music, carry around familiar sweets/toffees or spray a familiar fragrance onto a portable item.

·      Try to find distractions in times of distress, such as engaging in a favourite activity or special interest.

Summary

Meltdowns and shutdowns may become easier to manage over time, but many autistic people experience them throughout their entire lives. No two people have the same needs, and there is no singular, universal way to support somebody who is having a meltdown or shutdown. If you’re accompanying somebody who is having a meltdown or shutdown, the best thing that you can do is remain present with them whilst also giving them plenty of time and space. Remember, meltdowns and shutdowns are not choices, nor are they anything to be ashamed of. They’re natural and valid reactions to overwhelm.

-Kirsty