According to the National Autistic Society in the U.K., an autistic meltdown is an intense response to an overwhelming sensory or emotional stimulus. This may lead the autistic person to temporarily lose all control of their behavior, often confused with a temper tantrum but distinctly different, as it occurs due to overwhelming stimuli which they can no longer handle. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recognizing the experience of autistic individuals during meltdowns.
Research by Phung et al. (2022) highlights that autistic adults frequently report feelings of being out of control, exacerbated by physiological symptoms such as blurry vision, warm muscles, and tense shoulders. These experiences often lead to an inability to think clearly or communicate effectively. This loss of control creates a sense of panic, contributing to the distress of the individual who feels completely overwhelmed and unable to regain their composure.
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