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Challenging behaviours such as a serious scene or even a shutdown present similar characteristic at the outset. However, they do need to be tackled in different ways since the root causes of these issues are not the same.
People who are close to those on the spectrum will understand the various types of sudden outbursts of frustration or anger and can fashion a response that meets the needs of the sufferer. A scene is often caused by an emotional need, say desiring a toy or getting out of an activity. This is often a learned response and is associated with an outburst. These occur deliberately and the individual is generally in control of their mind and body for the aforementioned time. These scenes are nipped in the bud pretty much when the individual achieves his/her aim and a recovery is in place.
A more serious behaviour is a shutdown or meltdown where an uncontrolled response to an envisaged life-threatening situation causes an involuntary reaction which results in a nervous system overload. They are the physical manifestation of neurobiological chaos.
Unlike a scene, this response does not normally have an aim in mind. Actions to watch out for are stimming (short for self-stimulatory behaviour) which will manifest in repetitive physical movements, sounds or the use of objects. While this may seem familiar to most of us (foot-tapping or pen clicking), it is much more pronounced for neurodivergent individuals. Other responses to check for include zoning out, screaming, crying or stomping.
It is difficult for sufferers to free themselves of their reactions, and usually a waiting response of 20 minutes or more has to be utilised since customary becalming techniques are often insufficient to arrest the situation.
Those on the autistic spectrum can take in sensory input differently to those who are not. This can often be the reason for a nervous system overload, since the processing of the input can overwhelm the neurodivergent individual.
Their way of connecting the information taken in by the sight, sound or touch stimuli to the emotional processor (the limbic system) or the analytical processor (the neocortex), is arrested during a fright, flight or freeze response which makes responding to the stimuli particularly fraught for those on the spectrum, when faced with dysregulated sensory input.
It is possible that differing brain function and neuron pathway connections may predispose those with autism to dysregulated sensory input.
Calming and recovery techniques mostly include being there for those going through a shutdown, providing as much emotional support as possible. Carers will often face fear themselves but learning about how to react to each episode based on the information you have previously gleaned will help both parties in the long run.
Showing your love and care during a severe episode will involve using as few words as possible and allowing as much time as you have to becalm the sufferer. Only you will know the precise needs of the individual since there are many ways to bring him/her back to a comfortable norm. They may include tactile responses such as hugs or other physical contact or a reassuring object such as a weighted blanket, comfy sweater or a favourite plush.
Treatment for such reactions as meltdowns are usually evaluated by finding patterns in the behaviour leading up to the episode. Ideally the patient will eventually come to understand themselves how to acknowledge or prepare for the emotional responses that are so uncomfortable for them during such situations.
Treating the underlying comorbid conditions associated with autism is essential too. Sensory or emotional issues are sometimes the response to uncommunicated pain or discomfort related to such conditions as GI disruption, sleep disorders or anxiety. If the techniques you have employed are not working, professional help may be your next avenue for exploration.
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