Meltdowns and Shut Downs Support Resources
What are Meltdowns and Shut Downs?
A natural response to overwhelm
Meltdowns and shutdowns are intense responses that happen when a person’s brain and body reach a point of overwhelm. They’re not tantrums or misbehaviour, they’re signs that someone is struggling to cope with stress, sensory input, or emotional demands. These responses are protective, helping the nervous system handle more than it can process. With compassion and the right supports, meltdowns and shutdowns can be managed safely, reducing distress and helping people recover more quickly.
Every experience is uniquely different
Meltdowns and shutdowns look different for every person. A meltdown might involve loud crying, shouting, pacing, or physical outbursts. A shutdown might look quieter, going still, withdrawing, or going nonverbal. Both are ways of saying, “I’m overwhelmed and need safety.” Understanding the difference and what each person needs in those moments is key to offering meaningful support.
Support should bring calm, not control
Trying to stop or punish a meltdown or shutdown doesn’t work and can cause harm. Real support is about reducing stress, creating safety, and meeting sensory or emotional needs in the moment. When people feel safe, respected, and not forced to mask their feelings, their nervous system can recover, and future meltdowns or shutdowns may lessen in intensity and frequency.
Championing People during Meltdowns and Shutdowns
We help families, schools, and individuals understand what’s really happening during meltdowns and shutdowns, and how to respond in a way that protects dignity, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
Building awareness and prevention strategies
We guide families and individuals in noticing early signs of overwhelm and using proactive steps to avoid escalation.
Supporting sensory regulation
We help identify sensory triggers (noise, lights, textures) and introduce tools like headphones, weighted blankets, or sensory-friendly routines.
Teaching recovery and self-care after incidents
We offer strategies for physical and emotional recovery, helping individuals feel safe and supported post-meltdown or shutdown.
Providing emotional co-regulation
We teach gentle ways to support big emotions; staying close, staying calm, and helping the nervous system return to balance.
Working with support networks for consistency
We collaborate with carers, teachers, and services to create consistent, respectful responses that reduce future distress.
How we can help with Meltdowns and Shutdowns?
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to recognise early signs of overwhelm
Tools for creating calm, predictable routines at home
Guidance for siblings and carers to provide safe, comforting support
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand triggers and coping needs in different settings
Recommendations for supports at home, school, and in the community
NDIS planning for therapies, sensory tools, and environmental adjustments
Skill-Building and Recovery Programs →
Coaching for recognising early warning signs and using coping tools
Gentle exposure to challenging environments with supportive guidance
Developing self-advocacy skills to communicate needs before reaching crisis
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans that reduce triggers and prevent escalation
Step-by-step strategies for managing sensory and emotional overload
Training for carers and educators to respond with calm, consistent approaches
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy focused on emotional regulation and self-soothing skills
Trauma-informed support to process past stressful experiences
Building resilience and confidence to handle future challenges
Regional Intensives →
In-home and community-based support for remote families
Hands-on training for carers and educators to manage meltdowns safely
Building sustainable support networks for ongoing emotional wellbeing
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.