How to Spot an Autistic Meltdown

At The Atypical View, we recognize that meltdowns are not behavioral problems, they are nervous system responses that call for support and safety.For many autistic individuals, especially those who are late diagnosed, big emotions are often misunderstood. In childhood, many autistic kids are incorrectly labeled as having too many “tantrums”, when the reality is actually a nervous system response to overwhelm rather than an intentional behavior. This is called a meltdown, and this can extend beyond childhood. Let's explore the difference between meltdowns and tantrums, while also learning how to support an autistic loved one in a meltdown, at any age.Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. You can support the podcast here vSupport Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/supportYou can find me:@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.or @TheAtypicalView on Instagram While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. Research:Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2021). Autistic adults’ experiences of masking and its consequences. Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), 320–329. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0071Marco, E. J., Hinkley, L. B. N., Hill, S. S., & Nagarajan, S. S. (2011). Sensory processing in autism: A review of neurophysiologic findings. Pediatric Research, 69(5), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182130c54Mazefsky, C. A., Herrington, J., Siegel, M., Scarpa, A., Maddox, B., Scahill, L., & White, S. W. (2013). The role of emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(7), 679–688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.05.006Support the show