Tag Archive for: Meltdown

Circumstances affect heavily pathological behavior.

Third day of amnesia and worry.
Fighting with teeth in inclement weather, breathing difficulties, insufficient oxygen flow to the brain.

My health-records report amnesia 2/3 days before low-pressure weather.

This morning was sunny and I felt in recovery mode.
In the afternoon, conditions suddenly changed for the worse.
I’m pumping dopamine desperately, evidence that I am trying to react.

I have learnt through the years that Reaction comes in the form of Hyperactivity in ADHD.
Thoughts race, I come up with hundred options simultaneously.
Prioritizing is the deal.

I have gradually become more convinced that autism and ADHD are not caused solely by genetic factors, but that environmental factors also play a role; they arise from the complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental influences.

Climate change hit hard in the last five years.
Seasons are no longer discernible.
Thermal excursions of 10 c from one day to the next are the norm.
That puts tremendous pressure on my body and mind, making me craving home. Europe is rated best weather to date.

I’m writing this right in the midst of a sudden strong storm after a bright day.
I’m panicking.
I can’t adjust to sudden changes.

Nature is stronger than man.
We’re living on a minefield.

The medical term for this phobia is Metereopathy, autistics are extremely vulnerable.
There is no specific cure, though my psychiatrist treats me the symptoms off-label with Motion sickness’ medication, since the pathology is mostly related to high humidity levels.
I feel it’s somewhat effective.
Humid air is a constant source in Asia.
The theory is that weather-changes displace neurons, causing Motion-sickness’ symptoms.
These compounds re-adjust neurons, abating to a varying degree panic-attacks and the likes.
They could be a valid alternative to habit-forming benzodiazepines however, research is still in the making.

Sadly, the Asian Monsoon Season extended well into mid-October in the last decade, due to global warming. It will keep extending for the next 50 years, scientists say.

We live in a 5 to 5 setting, this time of year.
Asians are morning-people: even in the shortest December/January days, the sun rises at 6:50. But sets at 4:30.
I hate city sunsets: my dopamine levels drop suddenly, just to stabilize again once night settles. I feel at peace at night, despite those 30 minutes of dreaded sunset.
I close the curtains when sunset starts, to re-open them once night sets.
Latest research shows that Neurons and Synapses can be displaced by natural elements. Behavioral disturbances are most likely, particularly in autism. Severe cases can be fatal.
I shall emphasize that neurons are potentially ‘migrant’, the medical term for ‘displacive’.
The most dramatic example of neuron-displacement is brain-stroke.
The main function of neurons is intercellular communication.
The stereotypical autistic meltdown is a disruption in neuronal-communication through displacement.

Neuronal-stabilization is the last frontier in Mental Health.
Some medications-SSRI antidepressants- are somehow effective, but not without a full array of side-effects.
Off-label experimentation of different compounds is well underway.

When neurons migrate, they re-assemble in a dysfunctional pattern, affecting personality and behavior.
This plays a major role in autism.

I believe Neuronal-Stability will be the successful achievement in Mental Illness.




Panic caused by changes to plans for individuals with autism

The panic experienced by people with autism when plans change stems from a deep need for predictability and routine. These provide a sense of safety and control in a world that can feel chaotic and overwhelming. When these established patterns are disrupted, it can trigger significant anxiety, distress, and sometimes panic attacks.

Why Changes Cause Distress

Need for Predictability:

 Autistic people often thrive on structure. Routines act as a script for the day, helping them know what to expect and when, which significantly lowers overall anxiety.

Executive Functioning Challenges: 

Autistic individuals may struggle with executive functions like planning, organization, and shifting focus (mental flexibility). A change in plans requires rapid replanning and adapting to a new sequence of events, which can be cognitively exhausting and difficult.

I need extra help this time of year.

So, another Advent.
As every year, the overwhelm has set in.
I wish I could talk to a Priest, not an option where I live.

Sending Christmas cards is a major issue to me: it takes about a month for a letter, during this busy season, to reach Europe from Asia.
Consequently, I planned with my wife to send Christmas cards last weekend, and she agreed first thing first on Saturday morning.

Saturday morning comes and she tells me of going to the grocery store with her mother one hour or so… bells ringing… turned out all day.
I had a real meltdown.
I couldn’t write any card.

She took on me that I don’t have any ‘flexibility’!

Her justification was her mother asked to visit some relatives.
She wouldn’t bother to call me or pick up the phone either, believing it would have made matters worse.

I had to spend all Sunday in bed to recover, while the cards were not sent.

I’ll leave the judgement to you: is that ‘autistic change in routine’ or ‘neurotypical lack of planning’?