Stress Responses
2 terms
Autistic Meltdown
An involuntary neurological response to overwhelming stress where an autistic person temporarily loses emotional and behavioral control. Not a tantrum or manipulation, but the nervous system's emergency release valve when overload becomes unbearable.
Autistic Shutdown
A temporary loss of skills and abilities when an autistic person's nervous system becomes overwhelmed. During shutdown, speaking, moving, or responding becomes extremely difficult or impossible, even though the person remains aware.