Autism and Internal Emotional Storms Explained In Simple Words

You might hear people talk about “autism and internal emotional storms” when discussing the experiences of those on the spectrum.

This phrase describes the intense waves of emotions that can surge within your mind and body. These internal emotional storms can make you feel overwhelmed and as if everything is too much to handle. Many autistic individuals report that their emotions are more intense and last longer compared to others.

You might notice:

• Your feelings can become very strong, very quickly.
• It may take you longer to regain your calm after something upsetting.
• Emotions can seem random and difficult to comprehend.

Remember, you are not alone. Many people experience these feelings, and it’s perfectly okay.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional storms in autism can feel very strong and hard to handle. Feelings can change fast and become very intense.
• Noticing signs of an emotional storm, like a fast heartbeat or wanting to be alone, can help you handle your feelings.
• Loud noises or bright lights can cause sensory overload and start emotional storms. Finding quiet places can help you feel better.
• It can be hard to understand your emotions, especially if you have alexithymia. This makes it tough to know what you are feeling.
• Making routines can help you feel safe and know what to expect. This can lower anxiety and stop some emotional storms.
• Calming techniques, like deep breathing or using sensory tools, can help you feel more in control during hard times.
• Help from family and friends is very important. They can help you feel safe and understood when you have emotional storms.
• You are not the only one who feels this way. Many people have these feelings, and there are ways to cope and feel better.

Autism and Internal Emotional Storms

What Are Emotional Storms?

You might ask what emotional storms are. These storms happen when feelings get very strong. It can feel like a big wave crashing over you. Your emotions might change fast.

You may find it hard to control them. This is called emotional dysregulation. It means you have trouble handling your feelings. Sometimes your reactions seem bigger than the problem.

Here are some things you might notice during an emotional storm:

• Your feelings go from calm to upset very quickly.
• You feel stuck in a mood and can’t feel normal again.
• You react strongly to things that seem small to others.

Emotional storms can make daily life harder. You might feel tired, confused, or embarrassed after one. Remember, these storms are not your fault. They happen because of how your brain works.

How They Differ in Autism

Emotional storms in autism can look and feel different. Your senses can play a big part. Loud sounds, bright lights, or scratchy clothes can start a storm. Your brain may handle stress and feelings in a special way.

Some main differences are:

• You might feel anxiety more often and stronger than others.
• Your brain may need more time to calm down after stress.
• You could have trouble naming or understanding your feelings. This is called alexithymia, and it happens more in autistic people.

Researchers found many emotional problems in autism come from alexithymia. If you can’t tell what you feel, storms can get worse. Your brain’s wiring may make stress harder to manage. Stress early in life can change how your brain handles feelings, especially in places like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.

Even if you have trouble with emotional storms, you can still notice feelings in others. Studies show autistic adults often understand vocal emotions as well as non-autistic adults.

Signs and Clues

You might want to know how to spot an emotional storm in yourself or someone else. Emotional storms can show up in many ways. Sometimes the signs are easy to see. Other times, they are hidden.

Here are some common clues:

• You feel very frustrated, angry, or anxious.
• Your heart beats fast, you sweat, or your hands shake.
• You might feel sick in your stomach.
• Small problems cause big feelings.
• You have meltdowns and can’t control your emotions.
• You stop talking or want to be alone.

The table below shows more signs and triggers you might notice:

If you see these signs, try to stop and care for yourself. Find a quiet place or do something that helps you feel safe.

Autism and emotional storms can feel scary, but you can learn to spot the signs and know what is happening inside you. This is the first step to feeling better and getting help.

Sensory and Emotional Experiences

Sensory Overload

Sensory overload happens when your senses get too much information. It can feel like everything is happening all at once. Your brain tries to handle sounds, sights, smells, and touches.

Sometimes, it gets overwhelmed and cannot keep up. This can make you feel nervous, mixed up, or even very scared. Many autistic people go through sensory overload, especially during emotional storms.

Physical Sensations

You might notice your body feels different during sensory overload. Here are some signs you might see:

• You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• You start to sweat or feel very hot.
• Your hands or legs might shake.
• Your chest feels tight.
• Your stomach feels upset or sick.

Noisy or crowded places can make you feel unsafe. Your body reacts fast, and you might want to leave or hide.

Emotional Intensity

Sensory overload affects your feelings too. It can make your emotions feel much stronger. You might feel:

• Angry or annoyed
• Upset by small things
• Lost or confused
• Nervous or afraid

When your senses get too much, your nervous system has trouble staying calm. It gets harder to control your feelings. You might react more to things that do not bother other people.

Here is a table with common sensory triggers that can cause emotional storms:

If you notice these triggers, try to find a quiet place or use headphones. Small changes can help you feel safer.

Emotional Processing Challenges

It can be hard to understand your feelings during Autism and internal emotional storms. Figuring out your emotions can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Here are some problems you might have:

• You have trouble knowing what you feel.
• Your emotions feel too big or come too fast.
• Sensory differences make feelings harder to handle.
• Sometimes, you hide your feelings to fit in.
• You might ignore your own needs, which makes things confusing.

Some people cannot show their feelings because of past hurt or trauma. You might hide your feelings so you do not stand out. This can make you feel alone or not understood.

Alexithymia and Uncertainty

Alexithymia means you have trouble knowing and talking about your feelings. Many autistic adults have this. Studies show that 40 to 65% of autistic adults have alexithymia. If you have alexithymia, you may not know if you are sad, angry, or scared. You might not have words for your feelings.

Alexithymia makes emotional storms even harder to handle. You may feel something strong inside but cannot explain it. This can make you feel more stressed and unsure. Sometimes, you wonder if your feelings are real or if anyone understands you.

You are not alone if you feel unsure about your feelings. Many autistic people feel this way. Learning about alexithymia can help you know yourself better.

Triggers and Causes

Understanding what sets off emotional storms can help you feel more prepared. You might notice certain things make your feelings stronger or harder to control. These triggers can be different for everyone, but some are very common.

Common Triggers

Many autistic people report that a few things often start emotional storms. Here are the most frequently mentioned triggers:

1. Sensory overload from sounds, lights, or textures.
2. Changes in routine that disrupt established patterns.
3. Communication challenges that lead to frustration.

Unexpected Changes

Unexpected changes can feel like a big shock. You might rely on routines to feel safe and calm. When something changes suddenly, your brain can go into high alert.

Even small changes, like a different breakfast or a new route to school, can cause stress. You may feel anxious or upset because you do not know what will happen next. Predictability helps you manage your day, so disruptions can make you feel lost or overwhelmed.

Communication Struggles

Communication can be tough, especially when you want to express your needs or feelings. If people do not understand you, or if you cannot find the right words, frustration can build up fast.

Clear and structured communication helps you know what to expect. When this breaks down, you might feel confused or anxious. This can make emotional storms more likely, especially if you already feel stressed.

If you know that changes or communication problems upset you, try to let someone you trust know ahead of time. Planning can help you feel more in control.

Why Meltdowns Happen

Meltdowns do not happen for no reason. Your brain and body work hard to handle stress, but sometimes it becomes too much.

Here are some reasons meltdowns can happen:

• You stay on high alert for danger or stress, which makes you feel tired and jumpy.
• Your brain processes sensory information differently, so normal things can feel overwhelming.
• Your body reacts strongly to stress, making it hard to calm down.
• You feel everything more deeply because your brain connects sensory signals and emotions in a special way.
• You have trouble planning or calming yourself before things get too intense.
• You use a lot of energy trying to fit in or manage your senses, so you run out of energy faster.

When all these things pile up, your body might react with a meltdown. You might cry, yell, or need to move around a lot. This is not your fault. It is your brain’s way of trying to protect you when things get too hard.

Shutdowns and Mutism

Sometimes, instead of a meltdown, you might shut down. This means you feel numb or want to hide from everything. You might stop talking, even if you want to say something. This is called mutism.

Shutdowns and mutism happen when you feel too much at once. Your brain and body need a break, so you might feel frozen or far away from the world. You may not be able to move or speak for a while. This is your body’s way of protecting you from too much stress.

If you experience shutdowns or mutism, give yourself time to recover. Find a quiet place and do something that helps you feel safe. You are not alone, and these responses are part of how Autism and internal emotional storms affect you.

Daily Life Impact

Home and Family

Life at home can feel like a rollercoaster when you face internal emotional storms. You might notice that your feelings affect everyone around you.

Sometimes, your family members feel confused or stressed because they want to help but do not always know how. Your emotions can change the mood in the house quickly.

• Family routines might get interrupted when you have a tough day.
• Siblings may feel worried or unsure about what to do.
• Parents might feel tired or overwhelmed.

A predictable routine helps you feel safe. When you know what will happen next, you can relax more. Your family can support you by keeping things steady and clear. You might find that talking together about feelings helps everyone understand each other better.

A strong support network at home makes a big difference. When your family works together, everyone feels less stressed and more connected.

You can also try family activities that help everyone calm down, like listening to music or taking a walk. If things get tough, family therapy can help everyone learn new ways to talk and solve problems together.

School and Work

School and work bring their own challenges. You might find it hard to focus when your emotions feel too big. Sometimes, you do not understand what you feel or why you feel that way. This can make it tough to keep up with lessons or tasks.

• You may feel anxious or frustrated if you cannot explain your feelings.
• Sensory overload in busy classrooms or offices can make you want to leave.
• You might use stimming, like rocking or pacing, to help yourself feel better.
• Social rules can seem confusing, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings.

Teachers and coworkers may not always see what you are going through. Using visual aids or having a set routine can help you know what to expect. Support from adults or friends at school or work can make a big difference. You might also benefit from learning social skills or talking with a counselor.

Social Life

Making friends and keeping relationships can feel tricky during emotional storms. You might not always pick up on social cues, like when someone wants to talk or needs space. Sometimes, you worry about being left out or misunderstood.

• You may feel hurt easily if you think someone is ignoring you.
• Strong emotions can make you want to be alone for a while.
• Friendships might feel hard to start or keep going.

Your feelings can sometimes make you pull away from others. This is normal, but it can make you feel lonely. Supportive friends and understanding people help you feel more comfortable. You can try joining groups or clubs where people share your interests. Remember, you are not alone, and many people want to understand and support you.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem means how you feel about yourself. It’s the voice inside your head that tells you if you’re good enough, smart enough, or worthy of love. When you live with autism and face internal emotional storms, your self-esteem can take a hit.

You might wonder, “Why do I feel so different?” or “Why can’t I handle things like other people?” These thoughts can make you doubt yourself.

Emotional storms can make you feel out of control. Sometimes, you might react in ways you don’t want to. Maybe you cry, shout, or need to leave a room. Afterward, you might feel embarrassed or ashamed. You might even start to believe that something is wrong with you. These feelings can chip away at your confidence.

You may also notice that you feel extra sensitive to what others think. If someone ignores you or says something unkind, it can hurt a lot. This is called rejection sensitivity.

When you feel rejected, even by accident, it can make you question your worth. Over time, this can make you feel less sure of yourself.

Here are some ways emotional storms and rejection sensitivity can affect your self-esteem:

• You might start to doubt your abilities, even if you’re good at something.
• You may feel like you don’t fit in, which can make you feel lonely.
• You could start to believe you’re not as good as others.
• You might avoid trying new things because you’re afraid of failing.
• You may feel like you always mess up, even when you don’t.

Remember, everyone has strengths and struggles. Your feelings are real, but they don’t define your worth. You are valuable just as you are.

Sometimes, you might compare yourself to others and feel like you come up short. Social media and school can make this worse. You might see classmates who seem calm and happy all the time. It’s easy to forget that everyone has tough moments, even if they don’t show it.

Building self-esteem takes time. Try to notice your strengths, even the small ones. Maybe you’re a good listener, or you have a special interest that makes you happy. Celebrate your progress, not just your big wins. If you make a mistake, remind yourself that everyone does. You can learn and grow from every experience.

If you feel down about yourself a lot, talk to someone you trust. A parent, teacher, or counselor can help you see the good things about yourself. You deserve kindness—from others and from yourself.

Managing Emotional Storms

When you face Autism and internal emotional storms, you might feel like you have no control. But you can learn ways to manage these storms and feel better. Let’s look at some strategies that can help you calm down, get support, and speak up for yourself.

Coping Strategies

You can use different coping strategies to help yourself during tough moments. These tools can make a big difference in how you feel and how quickly you recover.

Calming Techniques

Calming techniques help your body and mind slow down when emotions get too strong. You can try different things to see what works best for you. Here are some ideas:

• Take deep breaths. Breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps your body relax.
• Use weighted items, like a weighted blanket or vest. The gentle pressure can make you feel safe and calm.
• Try sensory activities, such as squeezing a stress ball, playing with putty, or listening to soft music.
• Practice mindfulness. Focus on your breathing or notice things around you, like the colors in the room or the feeling of your chair.
• Move your body. Go for a walk, stretch, or do some jumping jacks. Exercise helps release stress.
• Take sensory breaks. Step away from loud or busy places and give yourself time to regroup.

You can make a list of your favorite calming techniques and keep it somewhere easy to find. When you feel a storm coming, pick one from your list.

Safe Spaces

A safe space is a place where you can go to feel calm and protected. You can create one at home, at school, or even in your mind. Here’s how you can set up a safe space:

• Choose a quiet spot, like a corner of your room or a cozy chair.
• Fill it with things that comfort you, such as soft pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or favorite books.
• Keep sensory tools nearby, like headphones, fidget toys, or sunglasses.
• Use soft lighting or dim the lights if bright lights bother you.
• Let your family or teachers know that this is your special place to calm down.

Many families create calm-down corners or sensory-friendly areas. These spaces help you feel safe when you need a break. You can also ask for a safe space at school or work. Having a place to go when you feel overwhelmed can help you recover faster.

Support from Others

You do not have to handle emotional storms alone. Support from others can make a big difference. When you feel overwhelmed, the people around you can help in many ways.

• They can gently guide you to a quiet, safe place.
• They should use a calm voice and avoid touching you unless you say it’s okay.
• They should not force you to talk or explain your feelings right away.
• They can help by removing things that might hurt you or make you more upset.
• They can give you clear, simple directions, like “Let’s sit here together” or “Take a deep breath with me.”
• They should let one person take the lead, so you do not feel crowded.
• They can notice when you start to calm down and let you know they see your progress.

Note: When someone stays calm during your meltdown, it helps you feel safe. Their calmness can help you start to feel better, too.

During emotional storms, it is important for others to respect your space. They should not pressure you to talk or act a certain way. Instead, they can show you that they care by being patient and understanding.

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and letting others know what you need. This skill can help you manage emotional storms and feel more in control.

• You can keep a journal to write about your feelings and what helps you calm down. This helps you understand yourself better.
• You can practice telling people what you need, like asking for a break or a quiet space.
• You can learn to notice when you start to feel overwhelmed. When you know your signs, you can ask for help sooner.
• You can ask for changes at school or work, like extra time on tasks or a sensory-friendly area.
• You can share your coping strategies with friends and family, so they know how to support you.

Tip: Self-advocacy takes practice. Start small by telling someone you trust how you feel. Over time, you will get better at asking for what you need.

Building self-awareness and self-advocacy helps you create your own plan for handling emotional storms. You can choose the tools and supports that work best for you. Remember, you have the right to feel safe and understood.

Long-Term Support

Building Awareness

You can learn more about your feelings and how autism affects you. When you know what sets off your emotional storms, you can get ready for them. You might write in a journal to keep track of your feelings and what happens before a meltdown or shutdown. This helps you see patterns. You can talk with your family or friends about what you need. Sharing your story helps others understand you better.

Tip: Try to notice small changes in your mood or body. Early signs can warn you before a storm gets too strong.

You can join groups or online communities for autistic people. These places let you share stories and learn from others who have similar experiences. You might feel less alone when you see others go through the same things.

Creating Routines

Routines can help your days feel safer and calmer. When you follow a schedule, you know what will happen. This makes you less anxious and helps you feel more in control. You might make a morning routine, a bedtime routine, or a plan for what to do when you feel upset.

Having routines helps you know what to expect. When your schedule stays the same, you can guess what comes next. This lowers the stress from not knowing what will happen. You might see that meltdowns or emotional storms happen less or feel less strong when your days have a pattern.

Here are some ideas for building routines:

• Use a calendar or planner to write down your daily activities.
• Set reminders for important tasks, like homework or meals.
• Make a checklist for your morning or bedtime steps.
• Ask your family to help keep routines steady.

If something changes, try to plan for it ahead of time. You can talk with someone you trust about how to handle surprises.

Professional Help

Sometimes, you need extra support. Therapists and counselors can teach you new ways to handle your feelings. They can also help your family learn how to support you. Here are some types of professional help you might find useful:

You can ask your doctor or school counselor about these options. Sometimes, you might need to try more than one type to see what works best for you. Remember, getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Note: You deserve support that fits your needs. Keep asking questions until you find what helps you most.

Myths and Misunderstandings

Common Myths

You might hear a lot of things about autism and emotional storms that just aren’t true. These myths can make you feel misunderstood or alone. Let’s clear up some of the most common ones:

Some people think autistic individuals do not have strong feelings. That’s not true. You might feel emotions very deeply but find it hard to explain them.

Sometimes, you can’t find the right words to describe what’s going on inside. Primary emotions like “happy” or “sad” might not cover everything you feel. This does not mean you don’t care or don’t have emotions. It just means your feelings are complex.

You are not alone if you struggle to talk about your emotions. Many autistic people feel the same way.

Harmful Effects

Believing these myths can hurt you and others. When people don’t understand what you go through, they might not give you the support you need. You might feel pressure to hide your true self or act in ways that are not natural for you.

Here are some ways these misunderstandings can cause harm:

1. Some therapies, like certain types of ABA, can make you feel stressed or anxious if they ask you to hide your natural behaviors. A 2018 study found that some people who received ABA showed more PTSD symptoms.
2. You might feel burned out or exhausted from trying to fit in all the time.
3. Suppressing your feelings can lead to more anxiety and even depression.

You deserve to feel safe and accepted. When people believe myths, they might ignore your needs or think you are just being difficult. This can make emotional storms worse and make you feel alone.

Better Support

You can get better support when people understand what you really need. There are many ways to help you manage emotional storms and feel more comfortable.

• Mindfulness activities, like gentle movement or focusing on your senses, can help you feel calm and connected.
• Being with someone who stays calm and listens can help you process your feelings. This is called co-regulation.
• Using concrete coping strategies, such as stimming, breathing exercises, or sensory tools, can help you manage tough moments.
• Joining peer groups or finding a mentor can help you feel less alone and build confidence.
• Therapies that respect your needs, like autism-affirming CBT or DBT, can teach you ways to handle strong emotions. Creative arts therapies can also help you express feelings without words.

You can ask for support that fits you. It’s okay to try different things until you find what helps most.

When people understand the truth about autism and emotional storms, they can support you in ways that really work. You deserve kindness, respect, and the chance to feel safe in your own skin.

You now know that internal emotional storms are a real part of autism. You might feel overwhelmed, but you are not alone. Many people share these feelings.

Support is out there, and you can learn ways to cope. Try calming techniques, safe spaces, or talk to someone you trust. Remember, your feelings matter. You can get through tough moments. You have strength, and people care about you.

FAQ

What is an internal emotional storm?

You might feel a sudden rush of strong feelings. It can feel like a wave crashing inside you. You may not know why it happens, but it feels big and hard to control.

How do I know if I am having an emotional storm?

Look for signs like a fast heartbeat, sweaty hands, or wanting to cry. You might feel angry, scared, or want to hide. Trust your body’s signals.

Can I stop an emotional storm before it starts?

You can try! Notice early signs like feeling tense or annoyed. Take deep breaths or go to a quiet place. These steps can help you calm down before things get too strong.

What should I do during a meltdown?

Find a safe spot. Use your calming tools, like a favorite toy or headphones. Let someone you trust know you need help. It’s okay to take a break.

Is it normal to feel embarrassed after a meltdown?

Yes, it’s very common. You might worry about what others think. Remember, everyone has tough moments. You are not alone, and you deserve kindness.

How can my family or friends help me?

• Listen without judging.
• Offer a quiet space.
• Ask what you need.
• Stay calm and patient.

A little support goes a long way! 🤗

Will emotional storms get better as I get older?

Many people say they learn new ways to cope over time. You might find that storms feel less scary as you practice calming skills and get support.