Autistic meltdowns are one of the most misunderstood parts of the autistic experience, especially in women who mask so well that no one, including themselves, sees them coming. What I really want people to understand is that a meltdown is not a tantrum or an overreaction. It's a nervous system that has been holding it together for way too long and finally can't anymore. The internal experience is often shame, panic, and complete overwhelm all at once, and the person having it is usually the one who feels worst about it afterward. If you love someone who experiences meltdowns, the most helpful thing you can do is stay calm, reduce sensory input, and don't try to talk them through it in the moment. The processing happens later. Follow for more content on autism and AuDHD in women. • #AutisticMeltdown #AutisticWomen #AuDHD #LateDiagnosedAutistic #NeurodivergentWomen