ALT A TIMELY REMINDER ABOUT AUTISTIC SHUTDOWN (graphic + links) Text: I Want You To Know About...Autistic Shutdown. Autistic shutdown is like an internalized meltdown. While the person is experiencing a lot of emotions, they can't express them outwardly. It may look like this: zoning out, exhaustion/falling asleep, hiding/defensive position. How can allistic (non-autistic) folks help? - Safety first! Help them to a quiet place w/ minimal stimuli. - Be sensory sensible! Have a kit tailored to their needs. - Eliminate all expectations/demands. They are currently overloaded. - Reduce interactions, giving them space and time. REMEMBER: Autistic shut-down is NOT stubbornness, laziness or disrespect. Autistic shut-down is involuntary, painful, exhausting. Please, be patient and compassionate. Info by Kate, Autistic Girls’ Journey; illustrated by Introvert Doodles

ALT Young adult with short blonde hair and a mask with a small green marionette clown on their shoulder. A child’s hand is holding the marionette strings up.

ALT Image of a language activity. Text follows: Green - Group Is it in the people group? He is a marionette, in the puppet group.

ALT Image of a language activity. Text follows: Blue - Do What do you do with it? What does it do? I play with him and he wears his clothes.

ALT Black slide with title "Supporting Neurodivergent Self-Determination" in colorful letters. Bottom says World Autistic Acceptance week next to a red infinity loop. Image by @Neuroclastic

ALT Lobes of six slides pieced together to make a colorful brain. Lobes cover: Access to self knowledge, self expression, and contribute Room to troubleshoot, be tenacious, and protest. Character limit impacts alt text here. Full alt text found on Neuroclastic’s Facebook page!