Sometimes,sensory experiencescan become so intense that the autistic person has to mentally withdraw from their environment.
What Does an Autistic Shutdown Look Like?
As with all things, different autistic peoples shutdowns will vary and have different warning signs.
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However, there are some common traits that you’re free to be aware of.
You might feel anxious or irritated.
Behaviorally, you may start pulling back or physically trying to move away from the environmental triggers.
Mike L., anautisticindividual, shared that during shutdowns, I still will lose theability to speak.
They all get stuck like a bunch of people trying to walk out the door at the same time.
That loop just won’t stop and gets worse the stronger I feel.
Taylor, another autistic person, shared: In a shutdown I suddenly cant talk or move.
It can look scary if you dont know whats happening.
My heart rate increases, I get flush and just want comfort.
I want to be home, safe in my comfort zone and away from whatever is triggering me.
Shutdowns can also manifest physically.
You may feel physically numb or dissociate.
They can withdraw both mentally and physically, with the specific behaviors varying based on the individual.
Two autistic people can have completely opposite responses to the same stimulus.
As such, there is not one list of triggers or causes that encompasses every autistic experience.
With that said, there are some common triggers that can increase the risk of a shutdown.
Mike L., an autistic person
I still will lose theability to speak.
They all get stuck like a bunch of people trying to walk out the door at the same time.
Unexpectedchanges or disruptions in routinecan bring on a shutdown as well.
Intense emotional experiences can also be a trigger, like becoming upset during a disagreement.
Reducingtriggerscan reduce the chances that the autistic person will experience a shutdown.
At the same time, it would be impossible to guarantee that there will be no unexpected schedule changes.
Support and coping skills can alleviate overwhelm and reduce the impact of the shutdown.
In addition, if an individual experiences frequent shutdowns, they may be at increased risk forburnout.
According to Taylor, It can take days to recover because [shutdowns are] exhausting.
Ashley Cairns shared: It’s embarrassing if I can be honest.
People act like it’s a choice.
Like the things that limit me are things I choose in life.
Of course I don’t choose this.
Ashley Cairns, counselor and autistic person
It’s embarrassing if I can be honest.
People act like it’s a choice.
Like the things that limit me are things I choose in life.
Of course I don’t choose this.
Shutdowns vs. Meltdowns
Both shutdowns andmeltdownsare a response to sensory overwhelm and overstimulation.
When someone is experiencing a meltdown, they may appear aggressive towards themselves, others, or property.
During a shutdown, on the other hand, they maywithdrawmentally or attempt to physically flee the environment.
They might lose the ability to communicate in ways that normally work for them.
2021;9(4):209-226.
2020;2(2):132-143.
