An autistic meltdown is an intense, uncontrollable response to emotional or sensory triggers. It is different from a temper tantrum and is most often linked to sensory processing difficulties. During a meltdown, an autistic person may have increased levels of anxiety and distress, which are often interpreted as frustration, a tantrum, or an aggressive panic attack. Meltdowns are caused by a central nervous system that is overwhelmed by information, senses, and social and emotional stress. Most autistics describe feeling overwhelmed by information, senses, and social and emotional stress during a meltdown. They often feel extreme emotions, such as anger, sadness, and fear, and have trouble with thinking and memory during the meltdown. Participants describe trying to stay in control of themselves, often feeling like they are not themselves during meltdowns. They describe the meltdown as a way of letting go of or releasing the extreme emotions they feel.

Here are some specific reasons why neurodivergent meltdowns in adults might occur:

• Stress
• A toxic work or living environment
• Sensory triggers like crowds, parties, or screaming children
• Big life changes like getting married, moving house, changing jobs, or having children

It is important to understand that meltdowns are not "temper tantrums." They are a reaction to a highly distressing situation or environment. While in a meltdown, a person can be injurious to others or themselves because of the extreme state of anxiety their body is in. Thats why its really important to minimize the risk of this happening - both for the person and those around them.

If you are experiencing a lot of meltdowns, consider why. Are you currently dealing with a lot of stress? Do relationships trigger your feelings of rejection? Are hormone changes or medications affecting you? Is your environment or job toxic for you? Consider some of these factors and see what might need to be changed.