Disconnecting the Auto Pilot under effort in a reflex action is particularly significant as it generally results in a large control input. Indeed, many high altitude upsets would never have become upsets had pilots contained the startle factor. This is a critical area of human factor development that cannot be overstated.
That is true. Readers may recall the CL604 Challenger that lost control after being affected by wake turbulence from an A380 at high altitude over the Middle East . The investigation revealed excessive and inappropriate flight control inputs by the pilot of the Challenger exacerbated the initial roll caused by the wake turbulence. It recommended that rather than instantly countering an initial roll caused by wake turbulence, it is better for pilots to delay corrective action for a few seconds until wake turbulence stops and then recover.
This avoids the rapid change of airflow that can occur depending on what angle the wake turbulence was encountered and in turn minimises the tendency to not only over control but to inadvertently apply control in the opposite direction causing significant airframe damage. The Challenger suffered severe damage during the recovery process with severe injuries to some passengers.
See:
https://avherald.com/h?article=4a5e80f3