Reboot Required: Meltdowns, Burnout, and Everything Between

Episode 3: Reboot Required
Meltdowns, Burnout, and Everything Between

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we dive into the misunderstood world of autistic meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout.

What do they actually feel like?
Why do they happen?
And why do so many autistics feel ashamed of something they can’t control?

We share our firsthand experiences and break down the neurological reality behind these intense responses. You'll learn how stress, sensory overload, and social pressure can push an autistic person to the brink—and how judgment only makes things worse.

Whether you're autistic, love someone who is, or just want to be a better ally, this episode is essential listening.

Because understanding isn’t optional—it’s life-changing.

 

Show Notes

https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-meltdowns-a-guide-for-allies/#:~:text=Staying%20quiet/not%20talking%20over,Turning%20the%20lights%20off

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202110/5-ways-deal-adult-autistic-meltdowns

https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/navigating-autism-meltdowns-in-adults

https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-shutdown-guide-for-allies/

.https://www.autismguernsey.org.gg/post/the-stress-bucket-a-visual-way-to-understand-and-manage-stress

https://smalleststeps.ca/have-you-heard-about-the-spoon-theory/

 

References

Autism Guernsey. (2024, Feb 13). The Stress Bucket: A Visual Way to Understand and Manage Stress. Retrieved from autismguernsey.org: https://www.autismguernsey.org.gg/post/the-stress-bucket-a-visual-way-to-understand-and-manage-stress#:~:text=This%20metaphor%2C%20known%20as%20The,bucket%20fills%20up%20very%20quickly.

Jack, C. (2022, novermber 4). What is the "Spoons Theory" of Autism. Retrieved from psychologytoday.com: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202211/what-is-the-spoons-theory-autism

National Autistic Society. (2022, March 1). Understanding Autistic Burnout. Retrieved from Autism.org.uk: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autistic-burnout

National Autistic Society. (2025, APril 24). Meltdowns. Retrieved from Autism.org.uk: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences

Penot, J. L. (2025, Jan 7). Burnout, Inertia, Meltdown, and Shutdown Can Shape Autistic Lives. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-forgotten-women/202501/burnout-inertia-meltdown-and-shutdown-can-shape-autistic-lives

 

 

 

Credits

 

Executive Producer:
Keith Holloway

Co-Executive Producer:
Bridget Holloway

Hosts:
Keith and Bridget Holloway

Produced & Edited by:
Keith Holloway

Theme Music:
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Logo Design:
Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie)
https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie

A Dispatch Central Production
© 2025

Follow Us:
Facebook:  Apparently Autistic Podcast
Website: https://apparentlyautistic.podbean.com/

Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support means the world.

Video Recording:
 Panasonic HC-WX991:  https://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/consumer-camcorders/hc-wxf991k

Editing and Production Software:
 PowerDirecteor 365 https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...

Audio Recording and Editing Software:
Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/

Disclaimers

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.
The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.
Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.

This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.