ASD-what is it called when this happens ?

[3characters]

I know obviously what happens with meltdowns

But what is a bad day called ? Just a bad day or is there an actual term for it ?

Basically when a person with ASD for example
-wakes from a bad nights sleep (broken restless nightmares) so is exhausted and overwhelmed immediately
-obsessions seem stronger and cause stress
-tearful
-agitated
-things are too loud/too smelly just also total
Sensory overload but not just that more than sensory overload

It’s not quite there at meltdown point but could so easily tip into it
Sorry if this doesn’t make sense

I'm not sure what the name of it is OP but I have a DD (6) who's autistic and I know exactly what you are describing.
Those days are hard work as the smallest think will set her off. I tend to refer to her on those days as being out of sorts and agitated. I'm interested to know what it's called now too!

'Overloaded', we would say. Doesn't have to be sensory. I've seem overwhelm used too.

Also 'dysregulated'

Yes it’s definitely overwhelmed and overloaded worse than usual but we seem to be about 10 seconds away from full meltdown all the time

@KibeththeWalker

Also 'dysregulated'

Yes that makes sense too. It’s awful 😭

It’s just so hard. Most days are difficult enough these sort of days are total write offs and everyone is exhausted and tearful by the end of the day

No answers but I understand to you all. I hope tomorrow is better.

I recognise what you describe I am Autistic, as are my children. Is the person you are describing quite well? My daughter often becomes more of everything, overloaded, overwhelmed, extra sensitive etc when she is in pain. Although capable of being verbal she struggles to communicate verbally at these times and also does not always recognise pain when in her body, it just feels 'not right. I remove all demands at these times, reduce sensory input, I might run through checklist pointing to various body parts asking if in pain. It's surprising how often this is answered in the affirmative.

I don't know if there is a specific name for it, but I know those days very very well. They are honestly harder than dealing with a meltdown, because at least that has an end. Having ds tense and on the verge of meltdown all day is the most stressful thing I have ever had to deal with.

I would probably use the term dysregulated if describing a child I work with.

@Queenelsarules

I recognise what you describe I am Autistic, as are my children. Is the person you are describing quite well? My daughter often becomes more of everything, overloaded, overwhelmed, extra sensitive etc when she is in pain. Although capable of being verbal she struggles to communicate verbally at these times and also does not always recognise pain when in her body, it just feels 'not right. I remove all demands at these times, reduce sensory input, I might run through checklist pointing to various body parts asking if in pain. It's surprising how often this is answered in the affirmative.

Just recently over v bad tonsillitis has finished his antibiotics but still tired and not 100%

Depends who I'm talking to, but the psych would say "dysregulated".

If I'm taking to my son, I would suggest he's just a bit over everything, and he would agree!

To friends I describe it as completely overwhelmed- although I'm sometimes speaking about me😞

Is it possible, on days like this, to shift totally to regulating activities? I had a visual symbols chart for activities that soothed and regulated. If my D.C. began to wobble, I'd send them to choose something from the chart to help them feel better. Ours were things like hot chocolate, a snuggle on the sofa with a hot water bottle, a foot rub, audio book etc. Things that comforted and grounded them.

Poor him, poor you. Hope you see big improvements this week

I think the fact that they are recovering from illness explains it. My daughter had recurrent tonsillitis and glue ear over several years, and was ofen dysregulated as a result. Keep on top of calpol, at stated intervals, don't wait or expect to be told when it's needed.