A shutdown is an involuntary response to overwhelming stress, sensory input, or demands. Unlike a meltdown, which is outward and intense, a shutdown is inward: a person may go quiet, stop moving, or find it hard to speak or act. Shutdowns are protective — the brain and body conserve energy when everything feels “too much.” They are not laziness or avoidance, but a sign that support and recovery are needed.
A Brief History
Autistic people began describing shutdowns in online communities and advocacy spaces in the early 2000s, distinguishing them from meltdowns. Researchers and practitioners have since recognised shutdowns as part of the “freeze” response to stress. Autistic voices emphasise that shutdowns can last longer than meltdowns and often require patience, quiet, and reduced demands to recover.