Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/1tf2x3r/what_is_a_meltdown_like/

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The original was posted on /r/autism by /u/NEONKURISU on 2026-05-16 19:19:39+00:00.

I am wondering what happens to autistic people during a meltdown so I can understand what it is like and see if I can relate to any experiences. I haven’t gotten diagnosed yet (because it’s too expensive). I am mostly asking this not as a self-diagnosis question but like as a self-reflection question.

In my family, people have big meltdowns that are violent and end up destroying furniture or hurting people so I never really thought that I myself could have something similar happen to me because I don’t do anything huge, loud and violent. I’m just asking other people’s experiences with meltdowns and stuff because I know that not everyone has the same reactions as my family and I want to understand and learn more about them.

I’m more of a quiet and meek person and I’ve never destroyed stuff or hurt people before. But I’ve not really heard of a stereotype of autistic people being violent people so I assumed that most people have different behaviours instead. I don’t believe I had any sort of meltdown behaviours as a child (although my memory might be hazy) but I have had some odd behaviours as an adult that may or may not be a meltdown. Perhaps I might relate to an experience someone else has so please reply (if comfortable!) with what you usually do and how it feels for you!

Also, another thing but what’s the difference between just feeling overwhelmed and a meltdown?