What's an Autistic Shutdown?

In a shutdown an autistic person might not seem themselves because they're so overwhelmed that their focus has shifted to the basic functions.

What is a sensory shutdown?

Sensory shut down is a term to describe the experience a child or adult might have when they are so overwhelmed by sensory information that they stop responding. The term shut down is used as it can often look like the person's brain has essentially turned off.

What does an autistic breakdown feel like?

Common signs of a meltdown include hand flapping, head hitting, kicking, pacing, rocking, hyperventilating, being unable to communicate, and completely withdrawing into myself. All of these behaviours are methods of coping.