Autistic Meltdowns in Emergency Situations // Free Support Card

Stressful events and emergencies are especially hard on autistic people:
1. It may further impact our communication, cause a meltdown, and prevent us from being able to share information about our needs.
2. Many professionals are completely unaware of the needs of the autistic community.
I've created a free printable resource you can keep on hand to give to others in the event of an emergency so they know how to care for you. In this video we will go over what's on the card, how you can use this information in daily life, and how to download the card.
My goal is to spread awareness and acceptance for how autism presents according to real autistic people. YOU CAN HELP by subscribing to my channel and liking 👍 any videos that are helpful to you. Thank you for taking a quick moment to show your support! 🙏🤟🥳
🌟 ⏩ Connect with others like you in an Autistic Community Group: taylorheaton.as.me/schedule.php
👉 ✴️ 1-on-1 Session with Taylor: taylorheaton.as.me/?appointme...
💻 ONLINE COURSE How to Unmask: Cultivating Your True Autistic Self: taylorheaton.podia.com/how-to...
❤️ 🧡 💛 MY FAVORITE THINGS 💚 💙 💜
ONO Fidget Roller (affiliate link): bit.ly/3xLZnQY (use code: MOMONTHESPECTRUM for 10% off at checkout)
Flare Earbuds for Sensory Overwhelm (affiliate link): www.flareaudio.com/momonthesp...
Manta Weighted Sleep Mask (affiliate link): bit.ly/3n3l64I (use code: MOMONTHESPECTRUM for 10% off at checkout)
💻🌟👉 Download the card here (+: MORE LANGUAGES AVAILABLE) taylorheaton.gumroad.com/
(Watch the video for more specific instructions)
📪 Business Mailing Address 📬
Taylor Heaton
8901 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Suite 127
PMB 680
Fort Worth, TX 76177
👉 More resources at www.momonthespectrum.life
I'm Tay, a married mom of 2 who was diagnosed with Autism at 31 years old. This was after YEARS of therapy (and all of the self tests in the world!). My diagnosis has brought up questions, frustration, doubt, but most importantly, a new level of self compassion and understanding.
I'm here to share knowledge, resources, and products that empower other neurodivergents (and their loved ones) to live freely and creatively. I'm not a doctor so please speak with your healthcare providers before implementing any recommendations I make on my channel.
Women are under-diagnosed due to lack of research. Please share any videos that are helpful to you so we can spread awareness and acceptance.
Music by Milky Wayvers ("Mountain")
/ milky-wayvers-mountain
#autism #autistic #aspergers

[@bryanmerton5153]

Hi Taylor, this is a great idea. I have an intense fear of doctors and a few years back I had a cancer scare, I am fine, but completely melted down in the office. This card would have been amazing! I couldn’t speak or comprehend what was being said. They could not understand what was happening. It was all before I learned I was autistic. As always great video and thank you for the card!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome Bryan! Thanks for the comment.

[@intuitivelogic5159]

I think I had an autistic meltdown recently, due to a manic episode( apparently being autistic increases the likelihood of bipolar disorder ) emerging. I started looking into information about autism because it was on my radar , after researching I can say that I've never felt like I belonged to a template of behavior and experiences quite like I do autism . My special interest are within psychology and philosophy I always new I enjoyed conceptualizing behavior from a psychological perspective but now I am realizing that I'm very interested in neurotypicals specifically, and understanding them , which is a big part of why I pass so well, my whole life I've been studying their code and my performance /masking is very convincing . I have always felt like an actor, role-playing a character, and increasing his stats .

[@sueannevangalen5186]

I'm just trying to think of what situations give me the most trouble with talking... I was thinking it might be helpful to have a card, either to hand to someone or else just use as a cue card (it's helpful to me to have a script to read), asking for an accommodation, like asking someone if we could communicate by writing instead of talking. This is an accommodation that I'd never heard of till I watched MOTS and I know it would be helpful to me sometimes. But every time I have to say something that breaks the status quo, my heart starts pounding, my mouth dries up, I start sweating and trembling, and my ability to verbalize goes right out the window. I just know asking for an accommodation would be such a challenge for me, it would be helpful to have something written down and easy to access.

[@Renly.]

As someone on the spectrum this is a huge deal for me! In stress I can shut down and go nonverbal. This is one way for me to be able to communicate even when I’m blocked by the conventional ways.

[@TinyLuvsBostons]

1:30 or tattoo it onto ones arm 😜 I’m definitely downloading it! Thank you!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're welcome!

[@kelseysmith3297]

I would love the topic of intimacy for autistic adults to be discussed. I think it's a challenge for a lot of autistic people but it also can be so rewarding.

[@elizabethnieves-robins2823]

I like the card and also your idea for a lanyard. My sister who is bipolar has a medical bracelet with her diagnosis and instructions on what to do in an emergency for her. I am thinking of possibly doing this for myself.

[@rkgomes3875]

Your thoughtfulness in creating this very important SAFETY and communication tool is very touching. Thank you!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome Ryan!

[@KelsieCakes]

I’ve always thought I was the type of person who does really well in a crisis…until I realize that im very helpful in a crisis for other people but not at all toward myself. I don’t know how to communicate my own distress and I completely shut down 😫 I really appreciate this resource. Acknowledging my own needs is something im working toward. ESPECIALLY in a health related crisis. It’s so hard for me to self advocate. Im curious if you plan to do any videos about your experience during pregnancy/postpartum. This is my biggest struggle (and hyperfixation) right now: how to advocate for myself in labor and postpartum. My first pregnancy came with a lot of trauma, and looking at it through an autistic lens, there was a lot I didn’t realize about my own sensory needs and nervous system dysregulation. So I’m trying to have more support and accommodation for this pregnancy. Anyway didn’t mean to write a novel 😂 just grateful for the helpful tidbits I’ve picked up from your channel and I’m hungry to learn more!

[@sugoiharris1348]

I’m not sure why because I’ve never had an emergency situation where I’ve shutdown and haven’t been able to communicate, but I started crying when I saw this. Maybe I’ve pushed through situations so much that it’s caused a bit of a trauma to me and having something this might have helped. I’m not sure because I can’t remember any.

[@professorg7387]

May I just say, your card is the prettiest one we’ve seen yet! The ones we saw before were red and more medical looking. Not calming like yours. We were thinking of making adult ASD talking cards that say adult things that are difficult to say like “please don’t touch me” or “ please don’t touch my children. We don’t know you. You are crossing our boundaries” and “no comment. “ and “go fly a kite” (chuckles)

[@TheAliceCrimson]

Am new to your channel and had no idea my not knowing easily when I need to use the restroom was a part of my autism. (Am diagnosed) Really is helping me understand what all these unusual habits are from and about. So thank you for that because it let me release frustration towards myself and cry. Will be downloading this card.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So glad it is allowing you more self compassion. 💓 thanks for your comment.

[@karaamundson3964]

OH MY SHIT I've learned so much about myself with this exceptional video!! I have epilepsy--depression--feeding issues--anxiety--and possibly more of what you included but many undiagnosed (as is my possible spectrum placement). Thank you, MOTS! You have given me self-recognition and acceptance. I will definitely download if I can figure out how. You kick @$$!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hey Kara! Thanks so much for your comment, and you’re welcome! So glad to hear the video is helpful.

[@GrammaCheri]

Yay! I found my tribe!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hi!!! 👋🏻 welcome to the tribe!! Glad you’re here.

[@Vanityprojek]

Just 10 seconds in and 👏👏❤️

[@passaggioalivello]

I always carry on with me your card. It's comforting, I'm feeling safer.

[@KidarWolf]

Thank you for this idea, Taylor. That phrase variably verbal is new to me too, but I think that fits me quite well, so thank you for introducing that idea to me.

[@jasonclow6962]

Thank you! I've needed this! Twice now cops have thought I was drunk driving but was sober. Bright lights, road noise, and poor motor controls made it difficult to do the drunk tests.

[@joycebrewer4150]

I once toured our local county jail with a group of women ( pre-arranged). While there, I attempted to walk the line marked on the floor for testing drunks. Stone cold sober, I got no further than one third the distance before stepping off the line. Embarrassing!! The local sheriff sure gave me a funny look that day! This was over a decade before I knew I was on the spectrum, I just thought I had a wonky balance issue, and was challenging myself if I could pass the test sober!

[@ericajemison-baltazar6189]

Thanks for providing a card. This is super helpful.

[@cmrsnowflake]

Omg this is exactly what I needed

[@sunny30427]

This is great. Thank you so much for making this!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re very welcome!

[@PraveenSriram]

I’m definitely going to download the card today from the website. Thank you so much Taylor!! 😊

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re very welcome!

[@k666ti]

u have a new sub! you’re so pretty 😭😭😭😭

[@MomontheSpectrum]

glad you're here!

[@wickedwest89]

There has been a bill in New Jersey (US) proposed to indicate on a drivers license that the driver has an autism diagnosis. And I wanted to mention that as far as lanyards, there are several airports in the US who participate in the Sunflower Lanyard program to identify a person with autism.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you!

[@ticklishaura1]

You’re great-thank you for these amazing videos. 💖🙏🥰

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re very welcome.

[@Severus34564]

Wow, great Card. I would be honoured to translate into German :) Will get onto it later today. Might be able to help with Norwegian, but I'm only learning there.

[@mudkipjuice]

If this is made to be given to police and not just medical personnel I would put the need to do repetitive actions on the front of the card. In the US we have an unfortunately high statistic of police brutality against our community because police often interpret stimming as aggression and other autistic traits as non-compliance. imo its critical to have possible non-verbalism, meltdowns, and need to stim be the first things communicated to law enforcement to protect ourselves.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for this suggestion!

[@KideaRock]

Hey, it's being a while since last time. First of all, I loved your idea. Second, I can help with translation to brazilian portuguese, so you can offer for more people. How can I sent you the translated version? EDIT: I did the comment before watching the hole video (hello, anxiety), I'll be sending you the brazilian portuguese translation soon :)

[@QuriTheMakeupArtist]

I will definitely download it and translate it Danish .. so I can use it in Denmark .. but an absolutely fantastic idea😃

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@arianerobitaille158]

Hi Taylor! What a great idea, thank you so much! I’m sure my daughter will appreciate it. When she’s in meltdown mode, she goes non verbal so it will be very useful when I’m not with her. Also, I can translate it into French, if no one has propose it already. On another note, I decided to get evaluated. I’ll keep you posted. Take care!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yay! Thanks for the comment and update! Someone has offered to translate to French. Thank you!

[@lasagnasquare5604]

Can you please touch more on the paradoxial effects of medication. That was a wooo WHAT moment for me!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

yes! I definitely want to and it's something I've been trying to study more. My psychologist shared this with me and it was a lightbulb moment for me as well as I've responded oddly to different medications throughout my life. It has to do, most likely, with serotonin differences. I don't have any great articles to share with you yet, but it's on my radar and something I keep meaning to talk more with my psych about

[@lasagnasquare5604]

@@MomontheSpectrum Thank you.

[@SDS151]

I didn't initially think I would need this but come to think of it and thinking through situations this would be very helpful if I were to get into an accident or get pulled over by police I tend to have select mutism in situations like that and this would be very helpful!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome! Glad to hear it’s helpful.

[@missy3609]

A list of medications would be helpful in a medical emergency.

[@mekachan5200]

I would like to translate this to Arabic!! Thank you for this ❤❤❤

[@vanessaprestoncreative]

Thankyou for the card! Do you still plan to make a card for variable verbal communication? I'd love to know more about that, as I think it applies to both my child and myself.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Oh thanks for the reminder!! I'll see what I can do.

[@vanessaprestoncreative]

@@MomontheSpectrum thanks, but no pressure. I think it would take a lot of courage to show a card.

[@almarojo4751]

Thank you for this video. I'd like to contact you soon so that I can translate it in German. There are definitely situations where I would need this card.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Sounds great!

[@IntrepidIanRinon]

Hi Taylor! I would like to have a go translating this to my native Tagalog language. I would also try to ask for help translating this to other Filipino languages.

[@robertwarbrick7560]

I would totally be willing to collaborate on a video about SSRI/SNRI (serotonin meds). I was a pharmacy student before my mystery illness. I have also tried several SSRIs and had a severe reaction to an SNRI.

[@canadianlynx3068]

Hi Taylor, thanks for posting and the helpful link for the card. I've been doing more research into my own condition and found something interesting. Will you do a post on autism and thyroid disorder? I have an underactive thyroid (so did my mom) and it seems that it is a factor. Thanks! Have a great day. #don'tforgettostim

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Great suggestion! I’ll see what I can do.

[@ScoobyDoozy]

@@MomontheSpectrum Hi MOS and Lynn I don’t know if you might find this helpful. In 2007 there was (I could be wrong) the first published m research on a suggested _potential causative relationship_ between _transient in utero hypothyroxinemia _ related to _maternal flavonoid ingestion during pregnancy_ and _other environmental antithyroid agents_, and _Autism in the children they were carrying in utero_ The author didn’t conduct the research themselves. It was a long term ecological study of children in Texas, who found there was a correlation (a link) between higher numbers of students with autism, and school districts affected by large scale release of industrial mercury. The author then reviewed the research and results within the context of the impact of environmental toxins that affect the expecting mother, especially ones that affect her thyroid. The author then, wildly irresponsibly, suggested a possible causal link between the two. At most they should have said something like “date, environmental science has neglected to study the potential relationship between Autism and anti thyroid agents in the maternal female, and this review contends that further research is warranted”. But Insread the conspiracies went out the door and around the world, robbing desperate and vulnerable people of an awful lot of money, time, energy and hope as they paid large fortunes to rid their children’s bodies of free radicals and anti thyroid toxins, being told that their childs thyroid was responsible for their child’s autism, and if they fixed their child’s thyroid, they would fix their childs autism. The heartbreak and loss for people has been immeasurable. Today in 2022, very reliable clinical, double-blind, peer-reviewed and statistically significant research has been consistently published for several years now, demonstrating that yes, there is clear evidence that there’s a causative relationship between a mother having thyroid disorder or dysfunction and children with higher odds of autism. One study results: “Both subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hyperthyroidism in the mothers were associated with increased risk of ASD in children (70% and 118%, respectively). Interestingly, subclinical hyperthyroidism in the mothers was associated with a 65% decreased risk of ASD in children. Low thyroid hormone levels in the mothers showed a trend towards increased risk of ASD in children, but was associated with a 46% increased risk of ADHD in children. These associations were present in both boys and girls. Overt hyperthyroidism in the mothers was also associated with a 188% increased risk of epilepsy diagnosed before 1 year of age in children, but not later in life. What it means: Both subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hyperthyroidism in mothers in pregnancy were associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. Low thyroid hormone level in mothers was associated with increased risk of ADHD in children. The cause of ASD and ADHD are through to be from combination of many different factors. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether abnormal thyroid hormone levels in mothers in pregnancy is the main cause of development of ASD or ADHD in children or simply plays a role. Further, there is no evidence that treatment of the thyroid disorders in mothers would have any effect on the findings of this study. However, given the findings of this study showing association between both low and high thyroid function in mothers in pregnancy with ASD in children, and between low thyroid function in mothers in pregnancy with ADHD in children, pregnant women with thyroid disease should be carefully monitored to ensure adequate treatment and to avoid overtreatment of thyroid disease. What it doesn’t mean: it’s not saying that if you develop these issues as an adult (extremely common in women) that it’s because you’re autistic, proves you’re autistic, etc. We also know that it’s important for behaviours and mood to manage thyroid levels. I’ve linked a research article below providing a comprehensive approach for the clinician treating autism, by one of the most endemic and respected autism researchers in history- and he is respected by both the medical and alternate communities. It’s only a resource please ignore it if it doesn’t suit. It may give you an idea of what you may want to explore for yourself, be mindful of, etc. Best of luck A Personalized Multidisciplinary Approach to Evaluating and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder Richard E. Frye mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/jpm/jpm-12-00464/article_deploy/jpm-12-00464.pdf?version=1647254321

[@canadianlynx3068]

@@ScoobyDoozy Thank you so much for sharing this, very informative.

[@joybird144]

How do i deal with, cope with, and recover from intense meltdowns (constant due to autistic burnout) with little to no support from my “caregivers”/parents? I am newly diagnosed, 23 AFAB, been a month or more since. My parents (mom actually… dad has decided to not address it) keep saying they are going to take their cues from me, learn as they go… So with them not doing their own research and learning on their own time, I have no one with comprehension of autism to support me in this difficult time. I am experiencing so much trauma just because they want to “trust the process” and take things slowly. But my meltdowns and this burnout is in full force and they keep coming. Nothing about my traits are able to be patient and trust the process. I dont know who will help me. I am very tired. I have a therapist and a psychiatrist but i only see them scarcely (once a week and once a month).

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is a tough process! I’m glad you have your therapist and psychiatrist. I know it can be extra challenging when you find yourself in the middle of constant burnout/meltdown mode. I have really gotten a lot out of the workshops offered by Asperger Experts. They also have a helpful online community. It might be helpful to Google them and check them out! Hang in there

[@joybird144]

@@MomontheSpectrum Thank you so much. I will keep hanging in there and check this resource out. Youre content also helps. I am in your discord and love what you are doing to help. People like you give me hope that things will work iut fine.

[@anubisfan161]

I can translate it into Dutch if you want to

[@jflowers41]

This may be a dumb question but is it okay for me to use this card without an official diagnosis?

[@sierragirl718]

Hey Taylor! I know it’s been a little while since I interacted on here. I was wondering if there was a way to contact you privately about something? We had briefly discussed in the past my struggle with doctors and communicating, and I’ve recently had some experiences that helped me finally figure out and articulate the problem I’m facing. I’d love to work with you to create something that we can all use, because I know I’m not the only person experiencing this. I just had surgery and experienced a complication that required them to go back in and I realized so much about why the way these things are handled sometimes cause us more harm/distress.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Would love to hear more about this! Momonthespectrumtx [at] gmail [dot] com. (No idea if it works but I’ve heard if I write out my email like this it deters bots from spamming me)

[@LetsTalkColdplay]

I asked male KZbinr with autism a question and he didn't answer. I was hoping you could tell me. Is my addiction to earmuffs because of my ADHD or the autism? I have to wear them almost constantly to focus. No, it's not almost, it's constantly, unless I'm out in public. When I'm at work, I wish I could wear them, as well.

[@lauraxyz5388]

could be both, but maybe you use them for different reasons in each situation? sometimes there is too much noise (overstimulation, autism?), I assume you use it to be less distracted, I would say that's more adhd related but it doesnt have to be, or maybe you like the pressure (autism?) (coming from someone who has autism and not adhd but I have researched a lot about adhd bc I thought I might have it, and I have friends with adhd, so I have an idea what it's like) I hope you can figure this out for yourself to understand yourself better! :)

[@PocketaPoemArtbyCCC]

I’m having trouble finding links and “the card” in the comments.

[@lauraxyz5388]

How/where do I help to traslate this to Dutch? :)

[@heartsmyfaceforever8140]

Do police or emergency services know what the cards are or will they refuse to accept and read it in a real situation?

[@MomontheSpectrum]

These cards are unique to my channel and are therefore probably not going to be “recognized” by emergency services, but hopefully they will read it and make any changes they can. It’s a start!

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

These cards are a fantastic idea, and beautifully and professionally produced. I can see where they would be helpful in medical situations. However, it could be problematic with police. Best case scenario - they are grateful for the info and apply it as they see fit. Worst case scenario, your action in presenting the card is evidence of an intention of evasive behaviour and non-compliance, and that will invite further police scrutiny, rather than less. The idea is great, but it needs to be endorsed by an authority relevant to policing, or it could become problematic imho. 🤷‍♀️😘✌️

[@oscarthegrouch23]

I've used a similar emergency card in the past, and had the opportunity to attempt to use it with law enforcement after being pulled over. The first time the officer took the card with my license, read it and gave it back, went back to his cruiser and then came back to tell me about my tail light, but never asked me anything else. The second situation the officer refused to look at the card or even take it from me, angrily telling me that wasn't what he asked for. That interaction also resulted in me getting a ticket, and once he allowed me to go I was so physically distressed that I could barely drive to the next exit to pull off (I had to move from the highway). Unfortunately I've also had it overlooked in emergency rooms also, or notated by one person only to have no one else know what I'm needing. There are no good or easy answers unfortunately.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Goodness. I’m so sorry to hear about this.