Meltdown ? Experiences & Symptoms

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I just watched an episode of Atypical and the main character had what appeared to be a meltdown or sensory overload , shutdown ( not sure what it was ) after receiving bad news and as a coping mechanism he started reciting his 4 favorite things internally while going home.

I don't know how much the researchers did about this situation but the camera work and lighting suggested that lights got brighter ( haloed ) and the world looked a little bit different colour wise , almost scary ( usually how tv programmes depict people on drugs ) ). He eventually lost control and flipped out on a bus.

Could anyone explain what this situation is called from the description - does it sound like a meltdown , shutdown , sensory overload?

If you know what it is could anyone explain what sensory differences occur for them.

I have made a similar post but didn't ask about sensory differences.

It seems like something I've experienced a lot apart from the repetition of words and flipping out , I usually just obsess about how messed up I am and implode and keep it hidden

I haven't watched the show, but it seems like the character was experiencing sensory distortion to me. In The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, Tony Attwood has a section on sensory/auditory distortions that occur during times when a person with autism is experiencing sensory overload. Sorry if this doesn't make a whole lot of sense- I don't experience a lot of sensory distortion myself, bit there are many autistics that do. I'm not sure if I'm using the correct term either- sorry!

Thanks , I forgot I was half way through that book and hadn't finished it ( I hate reading )

That sounds like a pretty good depiction of a classic autistic meltdown from my perspective. Basically what happens when I get overwhelmed. The main difference between the two is the type of reaction to becoming overwhelmed/overloaded. A meltdown is flipping out. Shutdown is going unresponsive or catatonic.