Meltdown's quiet cousin: What's an Autistic shutdown?
Updated: Apr 21
Many people are familiar with 'meltdowns,' as they are more commonly discussed in the Autism community. However, shutdowns are very prevalent within the Autistic community, but are frequently overlooked or misunderstood. So what is an Autistic shutdown? Read on to find out and learn how you can help.
Learn the signs
Sometimes, when an Autistic person is under extreme duress, they can enter a state known as a 'shutdown.' There are many ways a shutdown can present, and it will depend on the individual and the situation that caused it.
Some common signs are:
lack of verbal communication
glassy eyes
gaped jaw
covering ears with hands
silent crying
shaking or shivering
rocking, fetal position
lying on the floor
Identify the cause
An Autistic person can be pushed into a shutdown by many factors, including:
After the storm
A shutdown is an extremely harrowing experience that can result in exhaustion. An autistic person may need time to recover, and may be affected for up to several days after the event.
This recovery period can include:
sleeping for long periods
temporary reduction or loss of ability to speak
loss of interest in food
reduced cognitive ability
Remember, going into a shutdown is not under the Autistic person's control, and should never be held against them.
Make a plan together
Needs vary, so never assume that what works for one Autistic person in shutdown will work for another. Firm touch may calm one Autistic person down, but startle another. Some Autistic people need help grounding themselves, while others need to be left alone to calm down.
For this reason, it can be very helpful for Autistics and their loved ones to discuss coping strategies for shutdowns before the shutdowns actually occur. It also helps to gain understanding of one's own sensory needs and communicate them to people around you.
We're here for you
If you or someone you know experiences shutdowns, our autism life coaches can help you to identify triggering situations, come up with strategies for prevention, and cope with shutdowns with they happen.