What is a meltdown and what do we do when one happens in our children? When meltdowns happen, the impact can be profound. It is important to understand what is happening for the neurodivergent child so that caregivers can show appropriate love and grace. In the next episode, we will explore what to do after a meltdown and how to find more helpful ways forward.
Article by Kate: Parents of Neurodivergent Children Need Support To
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Citations:
To read the article by Mary Doherty: Doherty, M. (2025). My autistic meltdown: The impact of autistic sensory needs. The Lancet, 405(10487), 1332–1333.
Attwood, T. (2022, February 19). Ask Dr Tony – February 2022 [Video]. YouTube. Autism Hangout.
Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (n.d.). Managing an autistic meltdown. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/managing-an-autistic-meltdown-by-prof-tony-attwood-and-dr-michelle-garnett/
Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023, July 17). Autism for parents and carers [Video]. Attwood and Garnett Events
Gaventa, W. C. (2018). Disability and spirituality: Recovering wholeness. Baylor University Press.
Grant, R. J., Barboa, L., Luck, J., & Obrey, E. (2021). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and organizations (1st ed.). Routledge.
Hallowell, E. (2022, April 15). Anger management for children with ADHD. ADDitude Magazine.
Hull, L., Mandy, W., Lai, M. C., Baron-Cohen, S., Allison, C., Smith, P., & Petrides, K. V. (2019). Development and validation of the camouflaging autistic traits questionnaire (CAT-Q). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 819–833.
Knight, J., & Steward, R. (2020, April 23). Meltdowns and shutdowns [Podcast episode]. In 1800 seconds on autism. BBC.
Larkey, S. (n.d.). The three stages of a meltdown and what you can do about it. Sue Larkey.
Larkey, S. (n.d.). Making it a success: Teaching and behaviour support strategies for students with an autism spectrum disorder [Online course]. Sue Larkey eLearning. https://elearning.suelarkey.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sue-Larkey-Online-Course-Handouts.pdf
O’Nions, E., Happé, F., Evers, K., Boonen, H., & Noens, I. (2018). How do parents manage irritability, challenging behaviour, non-compliance and anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders? A meta-synthesis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(4), 1272–1286.
Pearson, A., & Rose, K. (2021). A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: Understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 52–60.
Phung, J., Penner, M., Pirlot, C., & Welch, C. (2021). What I wish you knew: Insights on burnout, inertia, meltdown, and shutdown from autistic youth. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 741421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741421
Reframing Autism. (n.d.). All about autistic meltdowns: A guide for allies. Retrieved September 2024, from https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-meltdowns-a-guide-for-allies
Rudy, L. J. (2024). How autistic meltdowns differ from ordinary temper tantrums. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-autistic-meltdown-260154
Soden, P. A., Bhat, A., Anderson, A. K., & Friston, K. (2025). The meltdown pathway: A multidisciplinary account of autistic meltdowns. Psychological Review, 132(5), 1209–1240. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000543
Webster, A. A., Saggers, B., & Carrington, S. (2021). Inclusive teaching for students on the autism spectrum. In S. Carrington, B. Saggers, K. Harper-Hill, & M. Whelan (Eds.), Supporting students on the autism spectrum in inclusive schools: A practical guide to implementing evidence-based approaches (pp. 47–57). Routledge.
Keywords:
meltdowns, neurodivergence, neurodivergent support, understanding meltdowns, coping with meltdowns, sensory overload, emotional regulation, parenting neurodivergent children, signs of a meltdown, strategies for meltdowns, meltdown triggers, shutdowns, anxiety in children, support for families, Christian perspectives on neurodivergence, managing emotional outbursts, self-care for parents, research on neurodivergence, recognizing emotional distress, mental health resources
