Autism meltdowns in adults are widely misunderstood and can be hard to navigate from an outside perspective. If you have a loved one with autism, or are autistic yourself, it’s important to be aware of the triggers, signs, and possible ways to regroup after a meltdown.
What is an Autism Meltdown?
Meltdowns are physical, involuntary reactions to overwhelming situations. Because autistic people are more sensitive to certain situations, they are at a higher risk of experiencing overstimulation. Autism meltdowns are innate reactions to circumstances that an individual finds overly distressing.
A meltdown can be triggered by a single overwhelming event, or after a string of smaller events that contribute to a larger sense of discomfort and lack of control.
From the outside, it can look like a tantrum. But an autistic meltdown is not a conscious reaction. Instead, it is a physical reaction by a body and brain that has been pushed far beyond a point of comfort.
Understanding why they happen and how to respond is important for caregivers, family members, friends, and autistic adults so that they can respond appropriately and get back to a comfortable place.
How to Manage a Meltdown as a Caregiver or Friend
If you have an autistic adult in your life, here are some ways you can support them before, during, and after a meltdown.
What causes an autism meltdown?
Any number of social, sensory, or emotional factors can lead to a meltdown.
Changes in routine, stressful situations, sensory overload, overbearing work environments, and physical discomfort can all trigger this kind of response.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that specific triggers and tolerance levels look different for everyone.
Warning signs of autism meltdowns in adults
Autistic meltdowns in adults can look different depending on the individual and their sensitivities. Some early signs of an autism meltdown in adults include:
- Fidgeting or stimming
- Frustration and irritability
- Becoming more withdrawn or quiet
- Difficulty expressing themselves
- Heightened sensory sensitivity
It’s important to note that there are not always clear warning signs. Meltdowns can feel sudden and seem to happen all at once. This doesn’t mean that triggers or meltdowns are any less valid.
What does a meltdown look like?
Someone experiencing an autistic meltdown can display any of these behaviors:
- Crying
- Screaming
- Lashing out physically (throwing, breaking, or hitting things)
- Withdrawing
- Shutting themselves in private space
- Grinding teeth
- Dissociating/unable to speak
- Intense stimming
While these can all be distressing to witness and experience, it’s important to remember that the person having a meltdown is not in control of their actions. Keeping a calm, even composure is key to supporting these types of situations.
How to respond
Having support strategies in place is a key part of navigating autism meltdowns in adults. Once you identify triggers, you can make an effort to minimize them and create a plan to provide options for self-soothing and stability.
If someone is in the early stages of a meltdown, it might be possible to remove or neutralize triggers and avoid more emotional distress.
When someone is in the midst of a meltdown, calm and quiet are your best tools. Of course, you want to prevent someone from hurting themselves if you think they are at risk.
Some people might find physical touch comforting, but this depends on the individual. Speak in a low, calm voice and provide security.
Let them know they will not be rejected or punished for experiencing a meltdown. Understanding and care are the cornerstones of successfully navigating an autism meltdown.
Navigating Meltdowns as an Autistic Adult
Because every individual has unique needs and tolerance levels, there is an element of trial and error in figuring out how to navigate a meltdown.
To avoid an autism meltdown, strategies for adults include:
- Identifying your triggers
- Managing anxiety and stress
- Creating a comfortable environment
- Using self-soothing techniques
- Communicating your needs to those around you
These strategies can be adapted for your specific needs. For example, “communication” can be visual cues or signs to let others know you need space, or “creating a comfortable environment” might involve wearing noise-canceling headphones or getting a chair that allows you more freedom of movement.
Your Source for Guidance and Support
When it comes to navigating life with autism, you don’t have to do it alone. NeuroNav is dedicated to providing resources, guidance, and insight for those living with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
If you live in California, you may qualify for the Self-Determination Program (SDP). NeuroNav’s services are here to help you make the SDP work for you. See how you can achieve more independence and realize your personal goals with our free consultation.
