Understanding Meltdowns, Shutdowns and Autistic Burnout

Suitable for all early learning professionals and parents.

Presenter: Pam Collins

Most of us have experienced a tantrum - either our own or by others where the ‘challenging behaviour’ stops when the need is met. Meltdowns, shutdowns and burn-out are not about getting something or manipulating others but about life stressors being greater than one’s sensory/emotional capacity. Let’s explore our nervous systems and how they are designed to protect us when we become over-stimulated. We will see how meltdowns are often usually exhibited externally and may be triggered by a tantrum. Shutdowns on the other hand are meltdowns that are turned inward and then we will learn how all of these can lead to Autistic Burnout.

Pam Collins is a late-identified neurodivergent parent to two amazing multiply neurodivergent adult sons. She provides Neurodiverse-Affirming parent coaching, consulting and education services to families and community partners and has been supporting families for over 23 years.