Meltdowns are intense, uncontrollable reactions to being overwhelmed by emotions or sensory input, common in autistic individuals but also experienced by others, differing from tantrums because they’re involuntary responses to overload, not manipulative, and can involve yelling, crying, lashing out, or shutting down, often triggered by sensory overload, routine changes, or stress. Supporting someone through a meltdown involves staying calm, creating a safe space, reducing stimulation, and understanding it’s a distress signal, not bad behaviour.
