What Does an Autistic Meltdown Feel Like?

Autistic Meltdowns are something that many autistic people have to deal with. From an outside perspective, it can sometimes look like a temper tantrum or a panic attack. However, there are distinct differences between an autistic meltdown and other behavioural responses. In this guide, we’ll explain what an autistic meltdown feels like and signs you or your child could be experiencing one.

What is an Autistic Meltdown?

Put simply, an autistic meltdown is a strong reaction to a sensory or emotional trigger. It is often a physical response to a complete feeling of overwhelm, and the response is largely out of the individual’s control.

What causes an Autistic Meltdown?

An autistic meltdown can be caused by either a sensory or emotional overload such as;

• Bright lights
• Loud noises
• Uncomfortable textures
• Strong smells
• Changes in routine
• Physical discomfort
• Emotional upset
• Social stress
• Trouble processing information

What are the signs of an Autistic Meltdown?

Common signs of an autistic meltdown include both physical and emotional responses, characterised by a loss of control where the individual cannot regulate their behaviour.

Emotional Outbursts

An autistic meltdown can result in a physical response to intense emotions such as crying or screaming. The reason for crying can vary from frustration and fear to sadness and sensory overload. Screaming can be a knee-jerk response to overwhelming noises – it can also be a distress response.

Fear, Sadness and Anxiety

Autistic meltdowns can trigger high levels of fear and anxiety, especially if the individual feels out of control and unsafe. It can trigger physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach-aches or general discomfort. Deep feelings of sadness and despair are often associated with autistic meltdowns, particularly if the individual is feeling isolated.

Emotional withdrawal

Some individuals may become unresponsive during an autistic meltdown, as it helps them block out any overwhelming stimuli. They may also freeze and stay very still while they process the overload of information.

Aggressive behaviours

Aggressive behaviours are often characteristic of an autistic meltdown – this could involve hitting, kicking and lashing out physically. It might be a way of trying to escape the situation or it might be a way of coping with the overwhelming situation. If a specific object is triggering the meltdown, the individual might pick it up and throw it to remove it from their environment.

Self-injurious behaviours

Self-injurious behaviours are common in autistic meltdowns, head banging, skin picking and hair pulling can provide a temporary distraction from overwhelming stimuli or emotions.

Repetitive behaviours

Repetitive behaviours such as repeating specific phrases or movements can be a way for people with autism to self-soothe. Increased stimming behaviours like hand-flapping, rocking and hair twirling often become more frequent or intense. This could also include unusual vocalisations such as humming or speaking in a different tone to help regulate emotions.

Are autistic meltdowns the same for males and females?

There can be some differences between the way that autistic meltdowns manifest between males and females, just like how autistic traits present differently depending on gender.

Typically, men and boys display more physical symptoms such as aggressive behaviours and increased stimming during an autistic meltdown, whereas women and girls tend to display more introspective and emotional symptoms such as anxiety and restlessness.

Triggers could also differ depending on gender, for example, women and girls might be more likely to be triggered by social and emotional stressors, whereas boys and men could be more reactive to disruption to routine. However, it’s important to remember that autism presents differently from individual to individual with some women displaying more physical symptoms and some men may display more emotional symptoms.

When to consider an autism assessment?

Meltdowns can often be confused with other behavioural conditions such as temper tantrums, panic attacks, PTSD or bipolar disorder. So, how do you know when to consider autism?

It’s important to remember that autistic meltdowns are triggered by external stimuli, which can be sensory or emotional, whereas temper tantrums are often goal-oriented. Also, autism is a condition that is present from birth, whereas panic attacks, bipolar disorder and PTSD are all conditions that develop later in life.

Here at The Autism Service, we offer specialist face-to-face assessments for both adults and children. Find out more about our adult autism assessments or child autism assessments or find the nearest clinic today.