@StevenSaus @actuallyautistic as others have said, autism isn't a behavioural problem and those who say otherwise don't understand that our brains are literally wired different.

For me, my autistic meltdowns usually happen in response to sensory overload eg too much noise, masking and concentrating on non-special interest tasks for too long. It gets to a point where even just one more out-of-place sound or touch makes me hyperventilate, go non-verbal, cry, sometimes even scream/wail while pacing or stimming unpredictably. Afterwards, I dissociate and lose touch with my body and mind until the stimuli settles down.

I should emphasise that autistic people rarely meltdown for "irrational" reasons - we have genuine sensitivities to more things than neurotypical people, and struggle to internally regulate our thoughts/feelings. A meltdown is usually the result of too much overwhelming stimuli, whether at once or consecutively. It's almost always a cry for help.

I guess it all depends on what your triggers are. Reflecting on why you got so upset is a vital step. If you were genuinely overwhelmed by things, it's important to acknowledge that and communicate with the relevant people so that accommodations can be discussed. The way your meltdowns manifest is important too - some behaviours are inappropriate whether you're autistic or not eg assault, coercion and threats, knowingly violating others' boundaries. Aggression and violence can be indicators of unaddressed triggers (especially in autistic people), but in that case finding more safe/constructive outlets (eg self-soothing stims and comfort items, special interests, exercise etc) is what I'd recommend. Having a meltdown itself isn't irrational - the closest it gets to that is if the behaviours are dangerous or otherwise constitute harassment, but otherwise you shouldn't be ashamed of needing to externalise your suffering 💚