There are generally three stages to a meltdown; the build up, the meltdown/shutdown and recovery. This is also known as the anxiety and defensive stage. It usually consists of physical, verbal and behavioural signs.
Tantrums, rage and meltdowns can mean different things for different individuals but they usually occur in three stages which are rumble, rage and recovery (diagram below).
In many ways an autistic meltdown mimics burnout. However, meltdowns happen more frequently during childhood and can last for minutes to hours.
Two types of reaction are typical of autism meltdowns – an explosive reaction or a withdrawal. Explosive reactions may involve screaming, shouting, aggressive behaviour or crying. On the other hand, less explosive reactions may include refusing to communicate or interact, withdrawing themselves or shutting down.
Tantrums, rage, and meltdowns (these terms will be used interchangeably) typically occur in three stages that can be of variable length. These stages are (a) the rumbling stage, (b) the rage stage, and (c) the recovery stage (Albert, 1989; Beck, 1987; Myles & Southwick, 2005).
Many autistic people will show signs of distress before having a meltdown, which is sometimes referred to as the “rumble stage”. They may start to exhibit signs of anxiety such as pacing, seek reassurance through repetitive questioning or physical signs such as rocking or becoming very still.
Meltdowns are similar to the fight response. When an autistic person is having a meltdown they often have increased levels of anxiety and distress which are often interpreted as frustration, a 'tantrum' or an aggressive panic attack.
Sensory meltdowns are what I consider to be extreme temper tantrums that have a sensory trigger to them. These typically involve extreme aggressive behaviors (head banging, hand biting, scratching or pushing others), and require a lot of assistance to recover.
Shutdowns. Meltdowns do not always present as aggressive and violent actions. "Shutdowns" are when an autistic person becomes extremely quiet, silent and withdrawn. A shutdown is a form of meltdown where a person becomes extremely still rather than outwardly aggressive.
''Autistic burnout is a state of physical and mental fatigue, heightened stress, and diminished capacity to manage life skills, sensory input, and/or social interactions, which comes from years of being severely overtaxed by the strain of trying to live up to demands that are out of sync with our needs.''
Autistic children and teenagers need support to recognise overwhelmed feelings and know what to do. Help autistic children and teenagers avoid meltdowns by stepping in when they start to get agitated. During a meltdown, stay calm, give children space, avoid saying too much, and wait.
Every child is different, but some common triggers include: Sensory overload or understimulation. This is when a child is sensitive to sound, touch, taste, smell, visuals or movements. Changes in routine or dealing with an unexpected change.
It is the complete loss of emotional control experienced by an autistic person. It doesn't last long but once triggered, there's no stopping it. Meltdowns are emotional avalanches that run their course whether you or the autistic person having it likes it or not.
Sometimes an autistic meltdown is presented as just yelling and screaming. But sometimes they might involve self-injury and self-harm as well as biting and kicking. If the child is physically large, meltdowns become frightening and even dangerous.
The come down from a meltdown can be very draining. It feels like your body went into fight or flight but it chose both and you just ran for miles beating yourself up along the way. A lot of autistic people are aware their meltdowns may not be so “typical” for most people. They might feel embarrassed at their reaction.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can make autism worse. Sensory overload, changes in routine, social isolation, co-occurring conditions, and lack of support can all exacerbate the symptoms of autism.
During meltdowns, the emotional part of the brain takes over, and it may be difficult for the individual to listen while they are experiencing it since explanations and logic may not be clearly understood and may add to sensory overload. In these cases, it is best for an individual to self-regulate.
Young kids, autistic or not, deserve to see that they are loved and cared for even when they are falling apart. Not all kids are able or willing to take comfort in the middle of a meltdown, but staying nearby, acknowledging their feelings, and showing that you care nurtures emotional connection and security.
The difference between the two is that meltdowns are outward, and shutdowns are inward responses or behaviours.
Rumblings might start with a verbal plea to "go now" or visually obvious signs of distress such as hands over the ears. Meltdowns may involve intense stimming: Rumblings may include or progress to "stims" (self-stimulatory behaviors such as rocking, pacing, or finger flicking) or other signs of anxiety.
Overstimulation (OS) occurs when there is “too much” of some external stimulus or stimuli for a person's brain to process and integrate effectively. This leads to an unpleasant sensation of being flooded and an impulse to escape the stimulus – or, failing that, to cry or scream or thrash about.
Tantrums happen when a child is trying to get something he wants or needs. Meltdowns occur when a child feels overwhelmed by his feelings or surroundings. Knowing the difference between tantrums and meltdowns can help you manage these outbursts.
Understanding Autistic Overstimulation
This can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical discomfort, anxiety, irritability, or even physical pain. Some common signs of autistic overstimulation include: Covering ears or eyes. Rocking back and forth or other repetitive behaviors.
Someone with level 3 autism may be non-verbal and be unable to engage with people. Sensory stimuli may be overwhelming. Cognitive deficits are common. Repetitive behaviors may be extreme and uncontrollable.