Autistic shutdown

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Autistic shutdown is one of the characteristics of the autistic spectrum. it is often related to Autistic meltdown and to Autistic burnout.

Contents

Background

Autism, [1] or the autistic spectrum is a neurological variation [2] [3] caused by a combination of hereditary and genetic. [4] This is a clinical syndrome characterized by various difficulties in interpersonal relationships, in the social, linguistic, and communicative areas. Other characteristics that usually appear in autistic people are stereotypic and repetitive behavior, narrow areas of interest, and problems with sensory regulation and emotional regulation. [5]

Description

Autistic shutdown is type of response to over-sensitivity. A temporary withdrawal from social interaction characterizes the shutdown and includes a decrease in communicative and cognitive abilities. In contrast to autistic meltdown, which often manifests as an intense emotional outburst, a shutdown manifests as an inward withdrawal, when the individual becomes non-communicative and seems detached. The shutdown is usually caused by sensory overload, social exhaustion, or emotional distress. It is used as a coping mechanism for autistic people with the pain they feel due to being overwhelmed. During the shutdown, the person may have difficulty processing information, making decisions, or communicating with others. The shutdown may vary in duration and intensity, and last from a few minutes to several hours. [6] [7] [8]

Autism, formally called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism spectrum condition (ASC), [9] is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, and repetitive or restricted patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities, which can include hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory input. Autism is a spectrum disorder , meaning that it can manifest very differently in each person. For example, some are nonspeaking, while others have proficient spoken language. Because of this, there is wide variation in the support needs of people across the autism spectrum.

Shutdown is usually associated with meltdown. In both situations, the autistic's mind becomes so stressed that it cannot control its response. In the case of a meltdown, they may cry, scream, hit and kick. Shutdown is not as aggressive as meltdown, but still causes a difficult and difficult experience for the autistic person and difficulty for the parents and the environment to understand them. [10]

Shutdown is a type of response to over sensing. The shutdown is characterized by a temporary withdrawal from social interaction and includes a decrease in communicative and cognitive abilities. In contrast to a meltdown, which often manifests as an intense emotional outburst, a shutdown manifests as an inward withdrawal, when the individual becomes non-communicative and seems detached. Shutdown is usually caused by sensory overload, social exhaustion or emotional distress, and is used as a coping mechanism for autistic people with the distress they feel due to being overwhelmed. During the shutdown, the person may have difficulty processing information, making decisions, or communicating with others. The shutdown may vary in duration and intensity, and last from a few minutes to several hours. [11] [10] [12] [13]

Meltdown, on the other hand, is a powerful and uncontrollable response to an overwhelming situation, which exists in some autistics. A meltdown manifests as an intense emotional outburst and may include crying, shouting, aggressiveness or self-harm. Meltdown results from distress that may be caused by unexpected changes, certain social situations, or sensory overload. While the intensity and frequency of meltdowns can vary, understanding the triggers and implementing coping strategies can help manage and ease the lives of autistic people and their environment. [14] [15] [16]

Stress and anxiety cause aggravation of autistic symptoms, so avoiding stressful situations that cause meltdowns or shutdowns can benefit autistics. [17]

Signs of a shutdown

Desired response from others

In order to recover from a shutdown, the person experiencing it needs a safe and quiet space, and as free of stimuli as possible. Patience, understanding and empathy are essential while a person is experiencing a shutdown, as is respecting the person's need for solitude and reduced sensory input. By learning the triggers, the frequency and impact of the shutdown can be reduced. [18] [19]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurodiversity</span> Non-pathological explanation of variations in mental functions

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classic autism</span> Neurodevelopmental condition

Classic autism, also known as childhood autism, autistic disorder, (early) infantile autism, infantile psychosis, Kanner's autism,Kanner's syndrome, or just autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It is characterized by atypical and impaired development in social interaction and communication as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. These symptoms first appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autism spectrum</span> Neurodevelopmental disorder

Autism, formally called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, and repetitive or restricted patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities, which can include hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory input. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can manifest very differently in each person. For example, some are nonspeaking, while others have proficient spoken language. Because of this, there is wide variation in the support needs of people across the autism spectrum.

Autism-friendly means being aware of social engagement and environmental factors affecting people on the autism spectrum, with modifications to communication methods and physical space to better suit individual's unique and special needs.

The history of autism spans over a century, autism has been subject to varying treatments, being pathologized or being viewed as a beneficial part of human neurodiversity. The understanding of autism has been shaped by cultural, scientific, and societal factors throughout history, and its perception and treatment change over time as scientific understanding of autism develops.

An autistic meltdown is an intense and uncontrollable response to an overwhelming situation in some people on the autism spectrum. Meltdown manifests itself as an intense emotional outburst and may include crying, shouting, aggressiveness, or self-harm. It results from severe distress, due to sensory or emotional overload, and is an involuntary behavior.

Nonverbal autism is a subset of autism where the person does not learn how to speak. It is estimated that 25% to 50% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) never develop spoken language beyond a few words or utterances.

Autistic masking, also referred to as camouflaging, is the conscious or subconscious suppression of autistic behaviors and compensation of difficulties in social interaction by autistic people with the goal of being perceived as neurotypical. Masking is a learned coping strategy that can be successful from the perspective of autistic people, but can also lead to adverse mental health outcomes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Double empathy problem</span> Psychological theory regarding individuals on the autism spectrum

The double empathy problem is a psychological and sociological theory first coined in 2012 by Damian Milton, an autistic autism researcher. This theory proposes that many of the difficulties autistic individuals face when socializing with non-autistic individuals are due, in part, to a lack of mutual understanding between the two groups, meaning that most autistic people struggle to understand and empathize with non-autistic people whereas most non-autistic people also struggle to understand and empathize with autistic people. This lack of understanding may stem from bidirectional differences in communication style, social-cognitive characteristics, and experiences between autistic and non-autistic individuals, but not necessarily an inherent deficiency. Recent studies have shown that most autistic individuals are able to socialize, communicate effectively, empathize well, and display social reciprocity with most other autistic individuals. This theory and subsequent findings challenge the commonly held belief that the social skills of autistic individuals are inherently impaired, as well as the theory of "mind-blindness" proposed by prominent autism researcher Simon Baron-Cohen in the mid-1980s, which suggested that empathy and theory of mind are universally impaired in autistic individuals.

References

  1. ↑ Monk, Ruth; Whitehouse, Andrew J. O.; Waddington, Hannah (2022-11-01). "The use of language in autism research". Trends in Neurosciences. 45 (11): 791–793. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2022.08.009. ISSN   0166-2236. PMID   36184384. S2CID   252620169.
  2. ↑ "Neurodiversity and the Benefits of Autism | Psychology Today". www.psychologytoday.com. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  3. ↑ Sia_Admin (2021-12-06). "Introduction to Autism, Part 5: Neurodiversity (What is it and why do we care?)". Reframing Autism. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  4. ↑ Sarovic, Darko (2021). "A Unifying Theory for Autism: The Pathogenetic Triad as a Theoretical Framework". Frontiers in Psychiatry. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.767075 . ISSN   1664-0640.
  5. ↑ cchiaro (2021-01-29). "The Challenges Students with Autism Face". Graduate Programs for Educators. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  6. ↑ MB (2022-01-11). "Autistic Shutdowns: A Guide for Neurodivergent Adults". My Soul Balm. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  7. ↑ Fox, Emma (2021-01-21). "Autism 101: What are autistic shutdowns?". The Autisphere. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  8. ↑ "What are Autistic Shutdowns? (adults and kids)". A Day in our Shoes. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  9. ↑ "COVID-19 guide – Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)". england.nhs.uk. National Health Service, United Kingdom. 2020-06-07. Retrieved 2023-06-12. ASC is a 'spectrum condition' meaning that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition affects them in different ways.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 BA, Claire Delano (2021-07-29). "Autism Shutdown: The Causes and How to Manage It". Autism Parenting Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  11. ↑ MB (2022-01-11). "Autistic Shutdowns: A Guide for Neurodivergent Adults". My Soul Balm. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  12. ↑ Fox, Emma (2021-01-21). "Autism 101: What are autistic shutdowns?". The Autisphere. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  13. ↑ "What are Autistic Shutdowns? (adults and kids)". A Day in our Shoes. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  14. ↑ "Meltdowns - a guide for all audiences". www.autism.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  15. ↑ "Meltdowns and shutdowns". Ambitious about Autism. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  16. ↑ Nicole (2022-06-28). "Meltdowns & Calming Techniques in Autism". Autism Research Institute. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  17. ↑ Arsenault, Jerry (2006-11-27). "Shutdowns and Stress in Autism". Autism Awareness. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  18. ↑ MB (2022-01-11). "Autistic Shutdowns: A Guide for Neurodivergent Adults". My Soul Balm. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  19. ↑ "What are Autistic Shutdowns? (adults and kids)". A Day in our Shoes. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
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