Every neurodivergent person is different and experiences these in different ways. Here are some ways to tell the difference:
Meltdowns
- is when everything is too much. Everything feels wrong and is too loud and sharp. Easily aggravated but not outwardly usually.
- Gets frustrated
- Easily stressed
- Can last a few minutes to a few hours- every meltdown is different.
- Wants to run away from the situation
- Can freeze in the moment
- Just want to kick and scream
- May shout in fear
- Flap hands
- Easily triggered
Burnouts
- is when you’re just about willing to cry at everything and anything.
- Get distracted a lot
- Highly stressed
- Can make you very tired
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of interest in communicating
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches and muscles tension
- Overwhelmed
- Easily triggered
- More meltdowns
- Memory loss
Shutdowns
- No energy
- Lack of interest in communicating
- Need more alone time
- Lack of appetite
- Practice less self-care
- Seem distanced
Burnouts and Shutdowns can last months and even years.
Please remember neurodiverse people experience meltdowns, burnouts and shutdown different. Want to see how meltdowns, burnouts and shutdown affects individually visit The difference between Meltdowns, Burnouts and Shutdowns Part 2 | JaimeGraceUK’s World (jaimegraceuksworld.co.uk)
There are only a small handful. There are many ways to support someone during a meltdown, burnout or shut down. Please read: Different types of support | JaimeGraceUK’s World (jaimegraceuksworld.co.uk)
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