# Autism & Mental Health: Anxiety, Meltdowns vs Shutdowns & What We Get Wrong

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677/autism-mental-health-anxiety-meltdowns-vs-shutdowns-what-we-get-wrong
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677/autism-mental-health-anxiety-meltdowns-vs-shutdowns-what-we-get-wrong.md
Podcast: [The Hidden 20%](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677)
Published: 2026-04-15T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/autism-mental-health-anxiety-meltdowns-vs-shutdowns-what-we
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/657b32c48f98e20016664592/e/69de521e964c5cf3162addc9/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-hidden-20-6751677/episodes/autism-mental-health-anxiety-meltdowns-vs-shutdowns-what-we-get-wrong
Duration seconds: 4162

## Resource

Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Clinical Psychologist specialising in autism, joins Ben to unpack the reality of mental health in neurodivergent children and adults - and why so much of it is misunderstood. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Ann explains how anxiety, depression and low self-esteem often sit on top of something deeper: emotional dysregulation, unmet needs and environments that don’t fit.  Together, they explore how this shows up in children and the long-term impact of being misunderstood early on. They also break down the difference between meltdowns and shutdowns - what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to respond with understanding, not judgment. Join us at  hidden20.org/donate . ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at  hidden20.org/donate . Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently.…

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## Transcript

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