Shutdown

“I shutdown as an implosion… burning it up on the inside [...] And so, a shutdown does less external damage and is more an internalized feeling. Nothing really gets broken in shutdown; my insides get torn up, but you don't have to see that so it's more convenient for others, really.”

Shutdown is a state of being overwhelmed, often to the point of becoming non-responsive to the environment.¹

Watch a video on "Shutdown"

A bit about shutdown...

Shutdown can be caused by overwhelming sensory inputs, emotions, demanding situations, or a combination of these.¹

Similar to meltdowns, you might feel a loss of control or be extremely upset, but instead of expressing the distress outwardly (e.g., by yelling), the distress stays trapped inside of you. You might lose the ability to move, follow instructions, or speak.

This is how some autistic adults describe shutdown...

“I get shutdowns when way too many things have happened in too short a time to process. Sometimes I also don't know what brings on a shutdown. It's frustrating because I'm scared that people will be mad at me for 'intentionally' not communicating, but I just CAN'T talk or even move sometimes. Sometimes it feels like I have to stay still because something bad will pounce on me and get me if I move. My mind is racing but my mouth and body are stuck.”

Watch a video explaining "Autistic Shutdown"...

Download and create your own "Shutdown" plan

We hope that working through this handout will help you understand your experience of burnout, make a coping plan, and feel more confident in advocating for yourself.

Download the handout

References

1. Phung, J., Penner, M., Pirlot, C., & Welch, C. (2021). What I Wish You Knew: Insights on Burnout, Inertia, Meltdown, and Shutdown From Autistic Youth. Frontiers in Psychology, 21. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741421