Meltdowns and shutdowns

Also called Autistic meltdown, Shutdown, Overload

What a meltdown and a shutdown are, what they are not (a tantrum, a choice), and how to communicate before, during and after one.

What it is

A meltdown is what happens when a person's capacity to cope is overwhelmed and the overload comes out: shouting, crying, hitting out, running, self-injury. A shutdown is the same overload going inwards: the person goes quiet, still, unresponsive, may lie down or curl up, and cannot speak or act. Both are involuntary. Neither is a tantrum, because a tantrum has an audience and a goal, and a meltdown has neither.

They are most talked about in autism, but they happen to people with sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, brain injury and anxiety too.

Who it can help

Autistic children and adults and anyone who has meltdowns or shutdowns, whatever the reason. Their families and staff, who need to know what not to do. AAC users especially, because during and after overload the ability to use a device often goes, and the plan needs to allow for that.

It does not cover behaviour that is a choice, or aggression with a purpose; those are a different conversation, and positive behaviour support covers them.

How it works

Overload builds. There are usually signs in the minutes or hours before, called the rumble stage by some: pacing, covering ears, repeating a phrase, going quiet, asking to leave. Communication that works happens here. Reduce demands, reduce noise and light, offer an exit, and do not ask questions that need a long answer. See sensory needs and communication.

During a meltdown or shutdown, language stops working. Speech, signs and devices alike may be out of reach for the person, and the partner's words do not go in. The job is safety and space: fewer people, fewer words, no touching unless agreed in advance, no demands. A single calm phrase, repeated, is enough. "You're safe. I'm here."

Afterwards, the person is exhausted and often ashamed. That is not the time for a discussion about what happened. Later, when they are recovered, a short conversation on their system, a comic strip conversation or a written note can find out what the trigger was and what would help next time.

Getting started

This week, with the person if they can, write down their early signs, their triggers and what helps, on one page. Give it to everyone who supports them and put it in the communication passport.

Agree a way for the person to say "I need to leave" that takes one move: a card, a sign, a single button on the device, and practise it when calm. Then honour it every time it is used; see saying no.

Set up a quiet place at home, school or work that the person can go to without asking. And after the next meltdown, do nothing except keep them safe, then let them recover before anybody talks about it.

Where to get help

National Autistic Society has the clearest guidance on meltdowns and shutdowns for families and professionals. Ambitious about Autism covers children and young people. Autistica publishes research-based guidance. BILD covers positive behaviour support and restraint reduction in services. If meltdowns are frequent and nothing is helping, the GP can refer to the community learning disability team or the autism service in your area.