A meltdown is where a person with autism or Aspergers temporarily loses control because of emotional responses to environmental factors. They arent usually caused by one specific thing. Triggers build up until the person becomes so overwhelmed that they cant take in any more information.

How long do Aspergers meltdowns last?

Meltdowns can last from minutes to hours. Meltdowns are not your childs way of manipulating you: Meltdowns are emotional explosions. Your child is overloaded and is incapable of rational thinking.

When should I be concerned about hand flapping?

Hand flapping is usually seen when the child is in a heightened emotional state, such as excited or anxious, and sometimes even upset. Parents are often concerned when they see hand flapping because it can be one of the signs seen in children with autism.