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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—also recontextualized as autism spectrum condition (ASC)—refers to a form of neurodivergence that creates a wide range of cognitive, social, and verbal differences that vary greatly from one individual to the next. Common challenges can include overstimulation from sights, sounds, new experiences, textures, smells, and food tastes; differences in or absence of verbal communication; and an inability or difficulty with interpreting the social cues of allistic people (people without autism). Some people with autism are nonverbal or minimally verbal, like Mal in Slider, while others are hyperverbal and learn to adapt to the norms of allistic society. Each person with autism presents with a unique fingerprint of abilities, talents, differences, and challenges, and for many individuals, the widely known stereotypes do not always apply. Within the context of the novel, Mal represents those with autism who have difficulty with verbal communication, and for the majority of the narrative, he uses only one word (okay) combined with body language to communicate different ideas. Mal also experiences overstimulation, which David and his family manage to ease with Mal’s headphones, hoodie, and sunglasses. In extreme cases, the Miller family can use a rug to roll Mal up, making him feel more secure and calming him during a meltdown.

An autistic meltdown is an intense neurological event common to many people on the autism spectrum, although those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also experience meltdowns. Although an autistic meltdown can resemble a tantrum or a behavioral issue, it is actually an intense expression of overwhelm that occurs when the person with autism can no longer process or endure the more challenging aspects of their environment. Meltdowns can be triggered by a wide range of circumstances, depending on an individual’s specific challenges, needs, or sensory experiences. In the novel, Mal experiences meltdowns when he becomes overwhelmed by bright light or no longer has his chosen song on repeat to shield him from the sensory stresses of his environment. A meltdown is a distinct event that a person with autism cannot fully control, although some find a way to internalize their meltdowns rather than expressing them externally. People experiencing a meltdown may feel extreme emotion and overwhelming sensory information and may lash out physically and verbally as a result. Sometimes this physical reaction results in harm to oneself or others. Mal exemplifies this behavior several times in Slider, sometimes injuring his family members. The opposite of a meltdown—a shutdown—occurs when the person becomes so overwhelmed that they temporarily and involuntarily cease to interact with the external world and must take time to recover before reengaging. The Miller family has developed several responses to help soothe and comfort Mal at the height of his meltdowns, and they do not fault him for the injuries they sustain when trying to help him.