Maryland Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist | Move Up ABA

An autistic woman sitting at a desk having autism shutdown while using a laptop in Maryland.
Understanding Shutdown vs Dissociation Autistic Shutdown Explained Autistic shutdowns are a response to overwhelming situations where the individual internally “shuts down” to cope. This response is likened to the ‘freeze’ reaction in the fight, flight, or freeze spectrum. Du...
An autistic man standing with arms outstretched toward the sunrise by the ocean in Virginia.
Understanding Autistic Shutdowns Definition of Autistic Shutdowns Autistic shutdowns are a response mechanism for individuals on the autism spectrum when they reach a crisis point. During a shutdown, an individual may retreat from the world, not respond to communication, and withdraw until their str...
An autistic child holding a glowing orb while staring out the window at night in Maryland.
Understanding Shutdowns Definition and Triggers Autistic shutdowns occur when an individual retreats from their surroundings due to sensory or emotional overload. This withdrawal is a coping mechanism triggered by an excess of stimuli, emotional strain, or sheer exhaustion from processing overwhelmi...
An autistic person sitting on the floor with head on knees against a gray wall in Virginia.
Understanding Autistic Shutdowns An autistic shutdown occurs when an individual becomes overwhelmed by sensory, emotional, or cognitive input, leading to a temporary withdrawal from interaction and stimuli. This state is often misunderstood, making it important to explore varying perspectives and ke...