Raising a child with ASD can spring various challenges, in this article we explore how to prevent autistic shutdown.

What is an autistic shutdown?

One aspect of autism which a number of parents will have faced is when their child goes into shutdown.

During an autistic shutdown, a child (or adult) may temporarily withdraw or “shut down” from the outside world.

We will go into more detail below but it’s often as a way of coping with the overload of information or stress.

This shutdown can show in various ways and may include;

Reduced Communication: The child may become nonverbal or just refuse to talk.

Limited Responses: The child may appear distant or disengaged from their surroundings.

Increased Sensitivity: The child may have heightened sensitivity to noise, lights or smells.

Increase In Repetitive Behaviours: The child may increase their engagement in repetitive behaviours like rocking, hand-flapping, or pacing.

Distress: The child may display signs of emotional distress, such as crying, increased frustration.

It’s really important to note that autistic shutdowns are not a deliberate choice.

The child isn’t being deliberately rude or difficult. It is rather a coping mechanism when they feel overwhelmed.

An autistic shutdown can vary in duration, from minutes to several hours.

A child will typically snap out of it once they have had an opportunity to decompress and reduce sensory and emotional overload.

How to prevent autistic shutdown

Now we all know what we are dealing with it may be helpful to learn how to prevent shutdowns.

As with all things autism, every child is different so what works for one won’t necessarily work for another.

With that said, here are some tactics to consider;

Recognise triggers

Parents would be advised to learn as much as they can from previous episodes.

Triggers can vary from child to child, but common ones include sensory overload, social stresses, changes in routine, and emotional distress.

Pay attention to your child’s behaviour and communication to identify patterns of distress.

Social stresses is something which may need exploring.

An example of this would be if a child is introduced to a new person or group of people.

A child who is otherwise verbal may almost clamp down, not introducing themselves or answering basic questions.

Create a predictable environment

Children with autism often thrive in environments that provide predictability.

Establishing routines and clear schedules can help your child feel more secure and in control.

Coming back to the example of being introduced to new people, you could prepare your child for that meeting.

This may involve using tools such as a schedule board or showing them pictures of the impending visitors.

Be mindful of social demands

As we know, social interactions can be challenging for kids with autism.

Be mindful of your child’s social demands and respect their boundaries.

Allow them to engage in social situations at their own pace and provide support when needed.

An example would be to not force them to greet new people at the door. Allow them to carry on in what they are doing before easing them into an interaction.

Social stories and role-playing can also be helpful tools to prepare your child for social situations.

Offer sensory distractions

If you are aware your child is becoming overwhelmed and a shutdown is likely, offer sensory distractions.

This can include providing sensory toys or objects for your child to fidget with.

You could also offer a designated quiet space where they can retreat if needed, like a tent.

Alternatively deep pressure techniques like weighted blankets can provide comfort.

Communication is key

Tying everything together, one of the most crucial aspects of preventing autistic shutdowns is open communication.

Try to encourage your child to express their feelings and emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them.

This will help you learn triggers and deeply understand what brings on (or brought on) shutdowns.

The communication might involve using visual aids, sign language, or a communication device if speech isn’t an option.

By understanding what causes distress, you can take proactive steps to minimise triggers.

Summary

Learning how to prevent autistic shutdown is a journey that requires patience and understanding.

It is the understanding that life can be tough for autistic children. Even simple tasks such as having their photo taken can be uncomfortable.

By recognising triggers and maintaining communication you can help your child navigate their world with greater ease and comfort.

Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and communities here to help.

Our website has hundreds of articles written by parents of autistic children, so feel free to browse using the search bar.