Meltdown

An intense, involuntary response to overwhelming sensory, emotional, or cognitive overload, commonly experienced by autistic and other neurodivergent individuals. Unlike a tantrum, a meltdown is not a deliberate behaviour but a loss of behavioural control triggered when coping capacity is exceeded. Understanding meltdowns is essential for designing accessible environments and technologies that minimise sensory overload, provide calming supports, and avoid triggering or escalating distress.