Autistic Shutdown

[DearOchreAnt]

Longtime lurker, first time poster. Need some advice as I just don't know what to do. My 13 year old high functioning ASD/ADHD DS has entered an autistic shutdown. We have been here before but this time it is different, he has become completely mute. He is emotionally/socially about 8 or 9. We can identify that the last couple of weeks have taken their toll on him, the lack of school routines and lots of new experiences in the holidays (we are in Scotland). He's burnt out but this is new. Has anyone experienced this? He is communicating with notes and sign language, he writes he is inside a shell and can't speak. He is not distressed, just distant. It is over 48 hours now of silence,he is usually never quiet for a second, talking and singing constantly. Any help appreciated.

Not to the same level but DD has had days of doing this. Specialist teachers said she needs to this now to cope and to go as low demand as possible.

Just back again - if the lack of structure is a problem can you and him make a plan for the day on paper. I would write

Breakfast

Shower and teeth

Lunch

Dinner

Teeth brush

Bed

and then let him add anything he wants.

What new experiences is he having in the holidays? I would just let him do what he needs to do and give him as much space and alone time doing very little as he wants. Does he have something he likes doing that helps him regulate?

I agree with making a structure if lack of structure is part of the problem.

Can DS have a quiet few weeks rather than a busy one with lots of new experiences?

I would make an appointment with the GP and ask for a CAMHS referral.

Does DS have SALT input? If not, you could look at that too.

Thank you for all the responses. I will try to add more structure into these long summer days and hope that he speaks soon.

His special interest is Lego. He is doing that ATM.