An autistic meltdown is an intense and uncontrollable response to an overwhelming situation in some people on the autism spectrum. It is different from a tantrum, which often has manipulative motives, when the child learns that they cannot get what they want if they cry or scream. In contrast, an autistic meltdown is not manipulative and arises from distress. Meltdowns can manifest as an intense reaction that may include crying, shouting, aggressiveness, or self-harm. They can occur due to distress caused by unexpected changes, overwhelming social situations, or sensory overload.

Meltdowns are involuntary and can be misinterpreted by first responders and law enforcement officers, leading to escalation of situations. Many autistic people experience meltdowns, and they can be physically tiring and emotionally draining for the individual. Interrupting a person who is having a meltdown may increase levels of anxiety, exacerbating the situation.

It is important to distinguish between a tantrum and a meltdown, particularly in autistic people. Signs of distress before a meltdown may include pacing, seeking reassurance through repetitive questioning, or physical signs such as rocking or becoming very still. Once you have a clearer idea of what may be triggering meltdowns, you can think about ways to minimize that trigger.

Calming techniques can be helpful for managing meltdowns, and it is important to understand the differences between meltdowns and tantrums to manage them accordingly. Meltdowns are involuntary responses to a nervous system overload, while tantrums are behavioral responses and generally aren’t used to attain a specific outcome. Understanding these differences is especially important for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers.