Episode 44: Sensory Shutdowns and Meltdowns: Navigating Neurodivergent Experiences
Divergent Conversations
Navigating Sensory Regulation and Overload in Travel and Public Spaces
Exploring the significance of sensory regulation for neurodivergent individuals through discussions on fidget toys, sensory tools, and the challenges of managing sensory overload during travel experiences.
Sensory meltdowns and shutdowns can be deeply misunderstood and unsettling experiences, whether you've faced them personally or seen a loved one struggle.
For many Autistic individuals, dealing with overwhelming sensory stimuli is a recurring battle. The space between feeling in control and experiencing a complete sensory meltdown or shutdown can be alarmingly narrow, with profound impacts on personal well-being and relationships.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, share their insights and experiences with Autistic sensory meltdowns and shutdowns, including strategies and signs discussed through a clinical and personal lens.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:
- Gain an understanding of what sensory meltdowns and shutdowns actually feel like, which Dr. Neff and Patrick describe through their vulnerable firsthand accounts, helping to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and stigma.
- Learn about practical coping mechanisms that can be employed during sensory meltdowns, such as intense physical activity, hot showers, and other grounding techniques, to help regain a sense of balance and control.
- Discover how to manage and anticipate shutdown triggers, through discussions on sensory self-care, proactive avoidance of overwhelming environments, and the utilization of sensory soothing tools, contributing to a more harmonious interaction with the world.
As you reflect on these discussions, try to recognize the bravery and resilience that comes with managing neurodivergent challenges. Be kind to yourself or your neurodivergent loved ones; embrace the coping strategies that work, and continue to learn and adapt.
Resources:
- Check out Dr. Neff’s new book, Self-Care for Autistic People. Learn more about the book: neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care-for-autistic-people
- To take advantage of the pre-order special: newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care (available throughout the month of March 2024)
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Autistic Burnout Workbook
I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout. Use the following link to grab this offer: https://neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64 After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062
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