Meltdowns
Meltdowns are an almost uncontrollable force in autism. In the younger years, there's simply no control but as you get older you become better at seeing the warning signs. If you listen to your "inner voice" a back away from situations, you reduce the issue or even avoid it completely. Unfortunately, it's not possible to back away from every situation.
Meltdowns seem to be the second most frequently asked Aspergers/autism question (after "what is Aspergers / autism).
The word meltdown is often used to describe two very separate types of responses which are generated from very similar feedback and feelings. These are an angry or frustrated reaction and a withdrawal reaction. I tend to refer to the second type of reaction as a "shutdown" rather than a "meltdown" and as such, don't cover it here. The articles linked below will still apply however as it is similar in most aspects, except for the final reaction.
(November 2007)
What is it ? Why is it hidden until it Explodes? What happens during a meltdown?
(November 2007)
How Long does it Last? What makes it turn violent? Meltdowns in Adults
(December 2008)
Unlike a meltdown, which is a kind of rage against a situation, a shutdown is a retreat.
(April 2012)
Why they're less visible and what problems does "keeping a lid on it" create?
(April 2012)
(June 2018)
(December 2020)