Understanding Meltdowns and Shutdowns in Adult Women with Autism

This is just word association cuz it’s the easiest way for me to put it rn sorry lol Meltdowns: overstimulation, panic attacks, crying, overwhelmed and out of control feeling Shutdowns: overwhelmed but numbed out, disconnected, slowed down, dissociation, exhaustion If you want more details or something feel free to ask!

Hey so I'm 19 nb afab. (He/they) people experience things all sorts of ways. But how I feel it is a shutdown is like having used all your spoons and just going into screensaver mode. You can't do anything else. A meltdown is usually overstimulation for me. It looks like a panic attack but more chaotic and less controlled. A lot of stimming happens for me. I hope that helps but feel free to dm me :)