Tools › Autism & sensory › Meltdown & Shutdown Plan
🛟 Autism & sensory · Free printable tool
Meltdown & Shutdown Plan
Written while calm, for the moments when you cannot speak: early signs, what helps, what others must not do, and recovery.
A meltdown is not a tantrum and a shutdown is not sulking. Both are the nervous system hitting its limit. This page is for you and for the people around you. Fill it in on a good day, share it, keep a photo of it on your phone.
What is inside
- ✓My early warning signs (what I feel, what others can see)
- ✓What usually pushes me over (triggers, accumulations)
- ✓During: what helps me
- ✓What others should do (step by step)
- ✓What others must NOT do
- ✓After: recovery
- ✓How long I usually need, and what recovery looks like
How to use it
- 1Print it, or open it on a tablet and fill it with a stylus.
- 2Use it for one week before judging it. New habits need a few repetitions.
- 3Bring it to your doctor or therapist: a filled sheet says more than memory.
This tool supports self-management. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace professional care.
Other tools for Autism & sensory
🎧 Sensory Profile ChecklistMap what each sense seeks, avoids and reacts to, audit your environments and write your overload plan.
🔋 Weekly Energy BudgetSpoon theory on one page: what each day costs, what recharges you, and where the week goes into the red before it happens.
🩺 Appointment SheetWhat you want to say to the doctor, written in advance. Hand it over if the words do not come.