Explore the nature of meltdowns in autism, distinguishing them from intentional tantrums and discussing their impact. Hear a personal experience of having a meltdown during a court case and the importance of acceptance and self-care. Learn about different experiences of meltdowns and the importance of empathy and self-care.
09:15
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Quick takeaways
Meltdowns are involuntary responses to overwhelming circumstances and should not be mistaken for intentional acts or tantrums.
Meltdowns can feel like being hit by a sudden wave of overwhelming emotions, but acceptance and understanding can help individuals cope with and manage these episodes effectively.
Deep dives
Definition and nature of meltdowns
A meltdown is an intense response to overwhelming circumstances characterized by a loss of behavioral control. It is important to distinguish meltdowns from tantrums, manipulations, or intentional acts as they are involuntary. Meltdowns can occur suddenly, resulting in confusion and fear. The speaker shares their personal experience of meltdowns, highlighting that frustration and difficulty in communication can intensify such episodes. While the individual has found techniques to cope with their personal feelings over time, strong emotions can still make it challenging to communicate effectively and maintain a diplomatic approach.
Understanding meltdowns and coping strategies
Comparing meltdowns to being hit by a 20-foot wall of water without warning, the speaker explains the experience of being unprepared and going into survival mode. They have learned to manage anger-related meltdowns, which transformed into crying episodes characterized by physical pain. The need to control their emotions during professional situations, such as in court, forced them to shut down their feelings temporarily. Acceptance of meltdowns as an unavoidable part of life has become their coping strategy, allowing them to take care of themselves in the moment when meltdowns occur. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance when interacting with individuals who experience meltdowns.
Autistics have meltdowns and it isn’t on purpose. They come seemingly out of nowhere and are painful and frightening.
The Autistic Woman describes the causes of meltdowns and relates personal experiences on handling them. Hear why meltdowns are not tantrums and the reason they occur.
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