Understanding Autistic Shutdowns: 7 Signs to Recognize
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Recognizing Autistic Shutdowns
For many autistic adults, managing daily life in a world that often overlooks their needs can lead to considerable stress and overwhelm. This challenge is compounded for those who received their autism diagnosis later in life, leaving them to navigate environments that may not accommodate their requirements. The cumulative effects of responsibilities—such as parenting, employment, and maintaining relationships—can result in sensory and emotional overload.
While everyone faces these pressures, autistic individuals may experience overwhelm in ways that diverge significantly from neurotypical responses. When stress and exhaustion reach a tipping point, it can culminate in an autistic shutdown, a phenomenon closely related to meltdowns. Meltdowns are generally more visible and can be intense, whereas shutdowns often go unnoticed, manifesting as internal distress. Consequently, many autistic individuals endure the impacts of shutdowns without adequate support or recognition.
Here are seven signs that may indicate you are experiencing an autistic shutdown:
Zoning Out
A prevalent sign of an impending shutdown is when I find myself zoning out during conversations or activities. Overstimulation or fatigue can make it difficult to focus on what someone is saying or to complete tasks. As a child, this often appeared as drifting off during class, especially when a teacher directed a question my way. In adulthood, I might sit in a meeting, completely unaware of the discussion unfolding. Recognizing this pattern has helped me understand that I need to take a break to avoid a shutdown.
Depersonalization
Many autistic individuals, particularly those with a history of trauma, may experience depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization involves feeling detached from oneself, while derealization gives a sense that the world is not real. During severe shutdowns, I often feel as though I’m observing my actions and surroundings from a distance, a coping mechanism that can lead to prolonged shutdowns lasting days or weeks.
Becoming Unresponsive
Another indicator of an autistic shutdown is becoming unresponsive and experiencing selective mutism. When overwhelmed, I often lose the ability to articulate my thoughts, and expressing how I feel becomes physically painful. The desire to communicate my distress is overshadowed by the sheer exhaustion of trying to form coherent thoughts, leading to tears instead of words.
Inability to Mask
During shutdowns, I often lose the ability to mask my autism, making social interactions challenging. I struggle to make eye contact, engage in conversation, or express emotions. This inability to conceal my feelings can make me appear more visibly autistic, leading to feelings of guilt when I withdraw from responsibilities, such as caring for my daughter.
No Energy
A significant change during a shutdown is a complete loss of energy. My mind and body feel disconnected, rendering me unable to accomplish even simple tasks. This sense of paralysis can take me back to my school days, where I needed to rest after classes just to regain my strength for the evening. As an adult, I still require alone time to recharge, which my family understands and accommodates.
Needing Solitude
As an autistic individual, solitude isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity for recharging. I often need time alone to delve into my interests or simply to rest. While this need can be challenging in family dynamics, with the right support, it becomes manageable and is essential for many autistic individuals.
Experiencing Pain
Many autistic individuals with chronic health issues, including myself, often find that overstimulation leads to physical pain. Chronic migraines began for me during a period of intense masking, signaling that I needed to step back and take care of my mental and physical well-being.
I hope this information resonates with you. If you have any thoughts or additional insights, please share them in the comments. Your engagement keeps me motivated to continue writing about the neurodivergent experience.
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In this video, "Ask an Autistic #20 - What are Autistic Shutdowns?" the discussion explores the nuances of autistic shutdowns and their impact on daily life.
The video "Unravelling Autistic Shutdowns" delves deeper into understanding the triggers and experiences surrounding autistic shutdowns.