How to Spot an Autistic Meltdown

How to Spot an Autistic Meltdown

At The Atypical View, we recognize that meltdowns are not behavioral problems, they are nervous system responses that call for support and safety. For many autistic individuals, especially those who are late diagnosed, big emotions are often misunderstood. In childhood, many autistic kids are incorrectly labeled as having too many “tantrums”, when the reality is actually a nervous system response to overwhelm rather than an intentional behavior. This is called a meltdown, and this can extend beyond childhood. Let's explore the difference between meltdowns and tantrums, while also learning how to support an autistic loved one in a meltdown, at any age. Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide.  You can support the podcast here v Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support] You can find me: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching.  Research: Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2021). Autistic adults’ experiences of masking and its consequences. Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), 320–329. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0071 Marco, E. J., Hinkley, L. B. N., Hill, S. S., & Nagarajan, S. S. (2011). Sensory processing in autism: A review of neurophysiologic findings. Pediatric Research, 69(5), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182130c54 [https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182130c54] Mazefsky, C. A., Herrington, J., Siegel, M., Scarpa, A., Maddox, B., Scahill, L., & White, S. W. (2013). The role of emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(7), 679–688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.05.006 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support]

Gratitude and Reflection

Gratitude and Reflection During Thanksgiving Week As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are reminded to pause and reflect. Yet it is equally important to acknowledge that the traditional story of Thanksgiving is not accurate and the story of the "Pilgrims and Indians" has caused lasting harm to Indigenous communities. The commonly told narrative erases violence, colonization, and loss.  At The Atypical View, we believe in practicing both awareness and compassion, recognizing that truth-telling can coexist with gratitude. However you choose to spend this day, whether in quiet reflection, with loved ones, or in community, it can be a reminder to connect with gratitude in a way that feels authentic.  Gratitude, at its core, is the recognition and appreciation of what brings value, safety, or meaning to our lives. It does not require perfection, positivity, or forced thankfulness. Gratitude is most powerful when it honors lived experience rather than bypasses it. Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide.  You can support the podcast here v Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support] You can find me: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching.  Research: Tomczyk, J., Nezlek, J. B., & Krejtz, I. (2022). Gratitude can help women at-risk for depression accept their depressive symptoms, which leads to improved mental health. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 878819. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.878819 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.878819] Diniz, G., Korkes, L., Tristão, L. S., Pelegrini, R., Bellodi, P. L., & Bernardo, W. M. (2023). The effects of gratitude interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Einstein (São Paulo), 21, eRW0371. https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RW0371 [https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RW0371] Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890–905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support]

Autism Levels Explained

The History of Autism and it's Levels of Support Needs The Atypical View, we understand for many late diagnosed autistic individuals, knowing your level can be a helpful tool when advocating for services, accommodations, therapy, or coaching. Someone who is technically Level 1 might still need substantial support on certain days or in certain settings. Supporting authenticity and flexibility helps make the levels more useful rather than limiting. Those supports should be responsive, individualized, and rooted in a respectful, strength-based lens of neurodiversity.  Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide.  You can support the podcast here v Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support] You can find me: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching.  Research: American Psychiatric Association. (1952-2022).  Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders  (1st–5th ed., text rev.; DSM-I–DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.53053/UUXK4243 [https://doi.org/10.53053/UUXK4243] Weitlauf, A. S., Gotham, K. O., Vehorn, A. C., & Warren, Z. E. (2014).  Brief report: DSM-5 “levels of support”: A comment on discrepant conceptualizations of severity in ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(2), 471–476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1882-z [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1882-z] Rosen, N. E., Lord, C., & Volkmar, F. R. (2021).  The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(12), 4253–4270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1] Zeldovich, L. (2018). The evolution of ‘autism’ as a diagnosis, explained. Spectrum. https://doi.org/10.53053/UUXK4243 [https://doi.org/10.53053/UUXK4243] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support]

Dissociation & Nervous System Regulation

Supporting Dissociation Through Nervous System Regulation Dissociation can be understood as a temporary disconnection from thoughts, emotions, sensations, or identity. It is the nervous system’s way of protecting us when an experience feels too overwhelming to process in the moment. While it can feel distressing, dissociation often begins as a survival response, not a flaw. At The Atypical View, we modify nervous system regulation tools to meet each neurodiverse client’s unique sensory profile before integrating personalized dissociation support. Healing begins not with forcing presence, but with creating safety in the body. From there, mindfulness becomes less of a task, and more of a return to self. Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide.  You can support the podcast here v Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support] You can find me: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support] Research:  Levin, K. K., Gornish, A., & Quigley, L. (2022). Mindfulness and depersonalization: A nuanced relationship. Mindfulness, 13(6), 1479–1489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01890-y [https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01890-y]  Poquérusse, J., Pastore, L., Dellantonio, S., & Esposito, G. (2018). Alexithymia and autism spectrum disorder: A complex relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1196. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01196 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01196] Stephen W. Porges. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. https://doi.org/10.1037/2011-04659-000 [https://doi.org/10.1037/2011-04659-000] Vancappel, A., Hingray, C., Reveillère, C., & El-Hage, W. (2023). Disentangling the link between mindfulness and dissociation in PTSD: The mediating role of attention and emotional acceptance.Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 25(1), 52–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2023.2231907 [https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2023.2231907] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support]

Mental Health Day

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide.  You can support the podcast here v Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support] You can find me: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support]