A feeling of immense distress, a sensory meltdown is a strong reaction to overwhelm caused by too much information, noise, sights or sounds, smells or touch.
Hypersensitive people (Autistic and SPD individuals, and people with misophonia) can experience meltdowns if their needs are not met and they are not supported properly.
Sensory meltdowns can happen more often if you’re already tired or stressed and everything becomes too much – for example in a crowdy place, at a loud concert, or after wearing a new jumper that feels itchy on your skin. It is not a tantrum and you are allowed to remove yourself from the situation to regulate yourself.
Not to be confused with panic attacks and anxiety attacks.