275. Autistic Shutdown: When Your Child’s Struggle Gets Quiet

Not Your Average Autism Mom · Sep 17, 2026 · 22m

A child who is screaming, crying, or falling apart is clearly struggling. But what happens when an autistic child’s response to overwhelm becomes quiet?

Autistic shutdowns can look like ignoring, refusing, withdrawing, or simply choosing not to participate. Your child may stop speaking, become unusually still, retreat to their room, stare into space, or temporarily lose access to skills they normally have. Because shutdowns don’t always disrupt the room, they are much easier to miss—and often misunderstood.

In this episode, Shannon explains:

What an autistic shutdown may look like

Why a…