If you have a child with autism, you may not initially know there are differences between meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout. Extra stress can cause any of these to occur, which is why it’s important to learn how to address each issue and prevent them. Keep reading to learn the facts so that you can feel more prepared when one of these situations arises.
Meltdowns, Shutdowns, & Burnout 101
Before you can understand how these three differ, we must define what each one is as it pertains to a child with autism.
- Meltdown: It might look like a tantrum, but what is happening is your child responding to an overwhelmingly stressful situation. It is common for a child to be unable to control their behavior when struggling with sensory overload or unpredictable changes in their routine.
- Shutdown: When your child prefers to be alone or stops speaking, they are experiencing a shutdown.
- Burnout: Burnout can often lead to a meltdown, primarily because your child doesn’t appreciate loud noises or being in overly crowded spaces.
Ways to Manage These Scenarios
When handling your child’s meltdown, shutdown, or burnout, it’s important that you identify which one they’re experiencing and adjust accordingly:
Meltdowns
- Remember to stay calm and help your child feel supported even as they experience an array of emotions
- Make sure your child is in a safe spot and away from whatever caused them to have a meltdown in the first place
- Remind your child that you are available to talk, but offer them space to calm down first
Shutdowns
- Guide your child to a less chaotic room or space so they can get away from whatever is causing the shutdown
- Remind others to avoid saying negative things about the situation
- Be patient with your child, as it can take time for them to be ready to talk
- If you want to avoid a shutdown, help your child practice stress management
Burnout
- Try to avoid sudden changes in their schedule, as this can cause significant problems that lead to meltdowns and shutdowns
- Don’t rush, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. This will give your child time to relax and enjoy their quiet time instead of always being on the go
- Offer sensory tools (i.e., headphones, toys) to minimize the chances they’ll develop burnout
Navigating your child’s autism can be a daily challenge, but if you know what to expect, how to handle the situation, and how to potentially prevent it, you can create a safer, more calming space that they’ll enjoy.
About the Author
As a father of two children, Dr. Aaron Weiss understands the daily struggles parents face in keeping their children healthy. For those whose little ones have autism, Dr. Weiss can implement a strategy to help address any meltdowns, burnouts, or shutdowns. He will also share tips and tricks to help you avoid these situations in the future, so if you think your child might benefit from a meeting with Dr. Weiss, feel free to contact us at (407) 477-6774 to schedule an appointment.