Woman Divides Opinion With Complaint About ‘Meltdown’ Christmas Jumper

A mum has complained about a Christmas jumper saying that it does not 'sit right' with her.

The shopper was in a local Home Bargains when she spotted the jumper that features a melting snowman alongside the phrase: "I'm having a meltdown."

Home Bargains

The mum sparked a debate after sharing a snap of the jumper online and asking for people's opinions on it, Edinburgh Live reports.

Posting on Mumsnet, she wrote: "I seen this when I was in store today and it just didn't sit right with me. I do have a neurodiverse DD [dear daughter] so that might be colouring my view slightly."

According to autism.org.uk, "a meltdown is an intense response to an overwhelming situation. It happens when someone becomes completely overwhelmed by their current situation and temporarily loses control of their behaviour."

The jumper very quickly divided opinion, with some believing it was slightly insensitive and others saying it was a harmless joke.

One person replied: "Literally anyone and everyone can have a meltdown. Snowmen included. I like it."

While another wrote: "I don't see anything wrong with it to be honest, just a bit of humour."

A third person asked: "Is the expression 'having a meltdown' particularly related to autism? I had no idea.

"I thought it was a widely used expression."

The shopper was left unimpressed. Stock image - credit: Alamy

Someone else said: "The term 'meltdown' does not have its roots in the autistic community. It is not officially a word specifically for people with autism.

"If you look it up in the dictionary it means an emotional outburst, autism is not mentioned at all."

The original poster then chipped in to say she associates meltdowns with autism but added that she was 'happy to accept that's just me'.

Someone else agreed that the item was in poor taste, writing: "Not just you op but a lot of people in here are very ableist, perhaps without realising.

"It's an awful jumper that makes light of being autistic."

A second added: "I don't think there's an issue with it but I understand if you do."

Another person suggested that the item should only be worn by those who are neurodiverse.

Home Bargains are yet to comment on the backlash.

Topics: UK News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19