Guide During an Autistic Meltdown (or Tantrum)

There are many things on the internet that suggest what autistics may need during a meltdown. Very few of these are written by autistic people. I have dedicated this page as a guide for adults, and anyone who knows an autistic person of any age, so that they may have an emergency resource.

Before the meltdown:

1. Set up a signal. Give the autistic person the chance to make the call when they are no longer able to handle a situation. They are competent, and something simple like a raised hand can be critical to maintaining composure in a stressful place.
2. Provide accommodations. An autistic person has sensory difficulties in the best of places. Give them sunglasses, earplugs, and comfortable clothing of their choice. If they get tired quickly (which they may not admit or realize), consider shortening the length of the activity.
3. Respect their decisions. If they tell you beforehand that they can't handle something, don't tell them to try it. The situation, or a similar one, may cause physical discomfort for them, and they may know that a meltdown would be imminent. Would you continue to do something which exhausts you without doing any good?
4. If they need out, let them out. Don't stop them, or ask where they are going. Follow them from a short distance. They are removing themselves to avoid the meltdown altogether, and they should be congratulated for realizing it. If they need something of you, provide it.

During the meltdown:

1. Do not restrain an autistic person. Although this is the most common thing one is told to do, it is the worst idea possible. This only increases the stimulation they are dealing with.
2. Remove them from the situation. Something in the environment is giving them a hard time. Offer your hand without forcing, and they will gladly accept it. Lead them out to safety, be it in a car or a safe room in a building they know well. 
3. Give them space. Stay nearby. They may signal that they need something, be it water or an extra accommodation. Provide these without question. An autistic person's body is their refuge, and they know it better than anyone else.

After the meltdown:

1. Allow rest. Many autistics will be too exhausted to think straight, and possibly speak, after a bad meltdown. Do not approach them during this time, unless it is an emergency.

Tantrum vs. Meltdown:

A tantrum will have a clear cause, and needs will be communicated much better than in a meltdown. However, the two may be interconnected. An autistic person may have an apparent tantrum over something which they intend as an accommodation to prevent a meltdown, but no one else interprets as such. Tantrums may become meltdowns if the necessary item is not provided.