When in extreme distress some autistic people can experience a meltdown or a shut down. We think it’s important that everyone understands these, so that if they see someone experiencing this kind of overwhelm, they are able to help the person and educate others.

About meltdowns and shut downs

Both meltdowns and shutdowns are reactions to extreme distress. A meltdown involves a range of behaviours which may include self-injury, crying, shouting, rocking and other outward signs of distress. A shut down, is when someone becomes ‘zoned out’ and unresponsive to the environment. Some autistic people may experience both of these types of reactions to distress.

These reactions can happen as a result of sensory overload, social overwhelm, uncertainty and unexpected changes. Different things can trigger different people, and sometimes a combination of things can build up to create this feeling of overwhelm.

How you can help

If you think someone is experiencing a meltdown or shutdown there are some things that might help:

Do try to:

• Keep them safe: remove anything that they might hurt themselves on.
• Support them to find a comfortable space. They may benefit from somewhere quiet without bright lighting.
• Try to stay calm, be assertive and appear confident and in control.
• Allow one person to take control rather than lots of people intervening, which will feel overwhelming.
• Give them space if this is appropriate
• Provide clear and simple directions and acknowledge emotions, give a reason for direction then give direction.
• Focus on using short, direct sentences (e.g., “I can see you are feeling stressed. I am going to try and help you. Take deep breaths. Close your eyes”)
• As soon as they begin to calm down, recognise it, reinforce it, and encourage them (e.g., “I can see you are feeling much calmer”).
• If talking, use a slow, low tone of voice and clear, simple, minimal words.
• It may help to sit to one side, at their level.
• Ask them to sit down, if this is possible – this will help to reduce arousal.
• Use deep breathing and get them to join in when they can.
  

Try not to:

• Restrain them, unless it is a protective action to stop violence, aggression or injury.
• Match your mood with your speech, instead stay low and slow. If you seem scared or overwhelmed it will reinforce their feelings and make things worse.
• Talk about consequences of their behaviour. This will increase anxiety, anger or frustration.