Autistic wellbeing: meltdowns and shutdowns

For the second phase of our digital campaign on autistic wellbeing, we're delighted to share our new resource on meltdowns and shutdowns. The resource explores common experiences shared with us by autistic young people and shares self-support tips for young people and their caregivers. 

"I remember often coming home from school and suddenly getting so overwhelmed that I would tear my room apart, knock over every piece of furniture and empty my belongings out over the floor. I didn’t have the language to understand this as a meltdown." - Niko 

Meltdowns are involuntary responses to overwhelming levels of stress, which could be caused by:  

• sensory stress  
• emotional stress  
• social stress  
• too much information or too many demands. 

Shutdowns are another involuntary response to overwhelming stress. Instead of external distress, an autistic person may become quiet, unable to speak, unable to move or become less responsive. 

"Parents and carers need support too, so it is important to give yourself time to recover afterwards and to seek understanding from people who recognise that meltdowns are not a sign of bad parenting." Xanthe, parent 

Click here to read more: Meltdowns and shutdowns | Ambitious about Autism