This also happens to me, but I've noticed it's only a very specific combination of factors that triggers it.

• It has to be a high stakes engagement. Something that matters deeply to me.
• It has to be addressed now, no delaying or waiting until I calm down. Either because it's time critical or the other person refuses to let me disengage and follows me.
• Talking is the only option. There's no other solution to this confrontation than words. I'm not good at words so this stresses me out.
• The other person has all the power in this confrontation. If I do nothing, they "win" by default
• The other person doesn't agree with me, and no matter what I say, it's not working.

So really it only happens for me when I'm backed into a corner and have to talk my way out. I get upset because it's actually an unwinnable war. Actually, typing this out makes me feel a bit better about it, because it's obvious there was never going to be a good outcome in those kinds of "discussions" anyway.

from what I've learned it's not typical of autism directly, but a typical pattern of people with PTSD and RSD tied into social and relationship experiences. PTSD in turn is common among autistic people and all Neurodivergents, and RSD is common among AuDHDers (and of course ADHDers).

i also get overwhelmed quickly in emotionally sensitive discussions, or even discussions about the topic of emotions.

Yeah, the diagnosis goes "trouble processing emotion", not " has no emotion". Being overwhelmed by conflict comes with the territory

In arguments with my wife, where I've felt backed into a corner, I've giggled. Couldn't help it. Couldn't stop it. That became another discussion, she was understanding.

Kinda same here. I might start crying from frustration and this causes many issues, mainly it makes people misunderstand the whole situation. And trying to explain anything after that is pretty much impossible, except with my fiancé.

Has there been an opportunity to "pause" the argument? to put it on hold?

I would suggest that so as to have an opportunity to feel/recover in a low-pressure environment.

I understand this is probably a rare and unfamiliar occurance, still I urge to experiment.