Meltdown and Shutdown: two consequences of sensory overload in autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that affects not only those who suffer from it, but also their families and loved ones. At a societal level, we are very far from understanding the needs of people with ASD. Thus, some of their behaviors and manifestations may be striking, disturbing or confusing. It is the case of meltdown and the shutdowntwo realities about which today we will try to raise awareness.

Both terms refer to reactions that the body of the person with autism has to protect itself from sensory overload. Despite not being the most appropriate ways of coping, they are the way that the person finds to deal with an internal saturation that they are experiencing.

Generally, the families and people closest to those who suffer from ASD are used to these crises and, although it is also difficult for them to deal with them, they are better able to understand them. On the other hand, regarding the general population, these phenomena They often provoke prejudice, misunderstanding and rejection. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to understand why it is caused.

Sensory overload in autism

To address the meltdown and the shutdown It is essential to first talk about sensory processing in people with ASD. Let’s start by remembering that the senses are the way we capture relevant information from the environment to process it and make use of it. Sounds, lights, aromas, flavors… All these sensory inputs enter through the senses and are combined and translated in the brain before generating an appropriate response to them.

People with ASD process environmental stimuli differently, and this can lead to hyposensitive reactions or hypersensitivity. In the first case, it can cause difficulties in identifying pain or provoke stimulation-seeking behaviors. However, in the second case, the person is extremely sensitive to some stimuli in the environment, which makes it easier for sensory overload to occur.

Loud noises, bright lights, intense smells, certain textures in clothing or materials… These types of elements that are harmless to most people, They are really annoying and even painful for people with ASD. They overload them, saturate them, triggering crises.

Meltdown and Shutdown

With the above in mind, we can say that meltdown and shutdown are two consequences or responses to sensory overload, antonyms in their manifestations but caused by the same process. That is, the person feels overwhelmed and collapses, having a crisis that can be expressed in one of these two ways.

As we said, it is mainly due to sensory saturation, but It can also occur due to emotional overload or overflow.; For example, when the person experiences frustration, stress or overexertion, when he or she is in a hostile environment or when he or she must face change or uncertainty.

But what do these two terms consist of? Well then, meltdown is an externalization reaction of that discomfort that the person is experiencing. Thus, he can scream, cry, begin to perform stereotypes, self-harm, hit objects and, ultimately, temporarily lose control. These are very striking episodes.

On the contrary, he shutdown It is a reaction of internalizing discomfort. In this case, frustration or saturation leads to the person having an internal “short circuit” and disconnecting from the environment. Thus, she may appear absent, withdrawn and dull, and mutism may also appear. In this case, it is more common for the episode to go unnoticed.

Despite their differences, both reactions are due to the inability to process the situation and in both cases there is a temporary loss of basic skills. During the crisis, it may be impossible for the person to communicate or socialize, think clearly, or even remember how to tie their shoes.

How to handle these crises?

Understanding the origin of these crises and knowing how to act in response to them is crucial for family members of people with ASD and those who deal with them on a regular basis. But we should all be knowledgeable and aware to be able to act and respond with empathy and respect.

Although it is not possible to completely control or avoid these crises, their occurrence can be reduced by taking some measures. For example, adjusting the environment so that it is not as stimulating or challenging and providing people with ASD with coping resources and emotional management strategies.

Furthermore, during the episode, it is essential to remain calm, not get upset or shout (as this would only make the situation worse) and act sensitively. Validate the person’s emotions and accompany with respect it’s keyand this involves knowing how to read their non-verbal language and trying to understand to know, among other things, when they require physical contact and when silent accompaniment is more appropriate.

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