Sensory Crisis Procedures
Support in a Sensory Crisis
Understanding meltdowns and shutdowns helps you respond more calmly, reduce stimuli and keep the person in crisis safe. This is educational material and does not replace individual advice from a specialist.
Meltdown / Shutdown in progress! Step-by-Step Instructions
Breathe calmly. Your child is going through a neurological crisis – this is not hysteria or spite. Follow these large, simplified rules.
1. ELIMINATE SENSORY STIMULI
- Turn off sources of noise (the TV, a blender, loud music).
- Dim the lights or put sunglasses on the child.
- Send onlookers away and ask others to leave the room. Ensure silence.
- Put noise-cancelling headphones on the child, if you have them.
2. ENSURE SAFETY, DO NOT FORCE HUGS
- Move sharp-edged chairs, toys and hard objects away.
- Place a pillow or a rolled-up jacket under the child's head if they are banging it against the floor.
- NEVER forcibly hold the child down or restrain their body's movements.
- Do NOT force a hug – during a crisis, touch can be a painful stimulus and intensify the outburst!
3. SAY LITTLE, DON'T EXPLAIN, DON'T PUNISH
- Don't lecture: 'what are you doing', 'calm down', 'people are watching'.
- Speak very quietly, slowly and briefly: 'I am here with you. You are safe.'
- Don't promise punishments or rewards at this moment – the child's brain cannot process logical consequences right now.
- Once the child has calmed down (which may take 15–45 minutes), offer a drink, provide warmth and allow time for sleep.
What is a meltdown and why is it not hysteria?
A meltdown (sensory outburst) is an uncontrolled reaction of the nervous system to sensory, emotional or cognitive overload. A child or adult on the spectrum is not doing it on purpose and is not manipulating those around them – they lose control because of neurological pain triggered by stimuli.
Managing a sensory crisis
Go through 7 simple steps. In a crisis, what matters most is: fewer stimuli, safety, calm communication and no pressure.
Phase 1 of 7: Rising tension
Watch for the first signs of overload: anxiety, agitation, withdrawal, avoiding contact, tearfulness, a greater need for movement or for quiet. Respond calmly and early — before the tension escalates.
Phase 2 of 7: Reduce stimuli
Turn off or move away from sources of noise, dim the lights, keep bystanders away and reduce the number of verbal messages. If possible, move to a calmer place: the car, a quiet room, a corridor or a calm-down corner. Noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses may help, if the person accepts them.
Phase 3 of 7: Ensure physical safety
During a severe meltdown the person may throw themselves onto the floor or bang their head. Make the surroundings safe: move sharp objects away and place something soft (a jacket, a pillow) under the head. Protect from injury, but do NOT restrain movements or hold the person down by force.
Phase 4 of 7: Speak briefly and calmly
A nervous system in crisis cannot process complex speech. Don't ask rhetorical questions, don't explain, don't shout. Use very short, soothing phrases in a quiet voice: 'You are safe', 'We are leaving', 'I am here with you'.
Phase 5 of 7: Avoid touch without consent
During a meltdown, touch, hugging, holding hands or blocking the body can intensify overload and anxiety. Ask, or assess, whether the person accepts touch. Use hugging, deep pressure or physical contact only when you know it helps and the person needs it.
Phase 6 of 7: Shutdown – silent withdrawal
A shutdown is an alternative form of crisis – instead of screaming, the person 'switches off' from the world. They may lie motionless, lose the ability to speak (mutism) and not respond when called. Proceed in exactly the same way: turn off the lights, silence any sounds, allow them to be alone in a safe place, and wait.
Phase 7 of 7: Winding down and recovery
After the crisis subsides, the nervous system is utterly exhausted. The person may cry, be sleepy or need to be alone. Provide access to water, silence and a complete absence of pressure. Absolutely do NOT lecture or explain what happened at this point – the time for analysis will come much later.
What you must NEVER do
Don't shame or shout
Shouting things like 'stop being hysterical' or 'everyone is watching' drastically increases anxiety and prolongs the crisis.
Don't punish or lecture during the outburst
A brain in fight-or-flight mode cannot process logical arguments. Postpone any talk about consequences until the child is fully rested.
Don't touch or hug without consent
During a meltdown, touch, hugging, holding hands or blocking the body can intensify overload and anxiety. Ensure safety in the gentlest way possible: move dangerous objects away, protect the head from injury and give space. Intervene physically only when there is an immediate risk of serious injury to the child or to others — as briefly as possible, calmly, and without using more force than necessary.
Meltdown vs Shutdown — The Differences
Meltdown (External Crisis)
An active outburst: screaming, crying, running away, throwing objects, sometimes self-injurious behaviour. The person is not doing it on purpose — they need fewer stimuli and safety.
Shutdown (Internal Crisis)
A quiet form of overload: withdrawal, no response, difficulty speaking, avoiding contact, lying down or freezing. Don't rush the person, don't bombard them with questions — provide calm, safety and time.
“Meltdown in progress” button on the lock screen
Set up your phone in advance — when a crisis starts, one tap is enough, no hunting for the app.