Understanding Autistic shutdown and how to help someone experiencing it

An autistic shutdown kind of feels like when you’ve had constant, discomforting sensory input all day, and by the end of it, you just can’t take anymore. 

And now your body just wants to ease off the overwhelm and sensory overload by shutting out any more discomforting inputs, and easing off until the senses feel regulated again. 

Shutdowns are a way for autistic people to cope when they’re overwhelmed by sensory or emotional input. It’s not a choice but a natural response to too much going on. 

Autistic shutdowns happen when the brain needs a break from all the input (sensory, emotional, physical) it’s constantly processing. As a lot of autistic people can be especially sensitive to sensory inputs - hearing more, feeling more and seeing more than allistic people - these shutdowns can have an especially exhausting effect on autistic people. 

Unexpected events or sudden changes in plan may cause a lot of stress, leading to a shutdown.

Just like every autistic person is different from the other, shutdowns can also differ between different autistic people.  

This makes them difficult to spot, but once you know what to look for, you can be there to help.

What are some signs of an autistic shutdown? 

The presentations can vary from person to person, but here are some common indicators:

• Fatigue: The person might seem really tired. 
  

• Reduced coordination: Unsteady, uncoordinated movements can show up.
  

• Quiet: They might reduce or stop talking, or give very brief responses.
  

• Detachment: The person might seem emotionally distant or struggle to express their feelings.
  

• Passivity: Their usual enthusiasm might be replaced with a more passive attitude.
  

• Withdrawal: Avoiding activities they usually enjoy or not responding to social interactions.
  

• Seeking Calm: Finding a quiet spot to decompress or engaging in self-soothing actions like stimming.

Sometimes there are hints before a full shutdown hits. They might include:

• Confusion

• Dissociation

• Sudden fatigue

• Headaches

• Irritability or anger

• Feeling emotionally numb

How to support someone experiencing an Autistic shutdown

The first thing you might want to consider is helping the autistic person move away from the space that’s dysregulating them. 

As a lot of autistic people also frequently experience alexithymia, they might not realise when they’re starting to feel dysregulated. Catching on to the symptoms early might help. 

• Show empathy: Understanding and compassion are crucial. Remember, it’s their body and mind’s response to overwhelm and physical and mental distress.
  

• Be patient: Offer your support and don’t ask them to ‘snap’ out of it. Give them space and time to recover at their own pace.
  

• Create a calm environment: If possible, help them find a quiet, less stimulating place to rest and self-regulate.
  

• Reassurance and comfort: Let them know it’s okay to take a break and that you’re there for them without judgement.
  

• Stimming: Autistics often engage in repetitive movements called stims to self-regulate. This can reduce distress from overstimulation.
  

• Avoid shaming them: Never blame or criticise, or talk down on them for how they’re feeling. It’s not a temper tantrum or a manipulation tactic; it’s literally their body and mind telling them their current environment doesn’t suit them, and that they need a break. 

While recovery can take a few minutes or hours, or even days, your understanding and support can make a huge difference in helping them feel better and bounce back.