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What’s actually happening when I go into verbal shutdown?

communication language speech stress
by
Livia Farkas (author)  

First published: 30 September, 2025 | Last edited: 30 September, 2025 || 📚🕒 Reading Time: < 1 minute

A verbal shutdown might appear to be “nothing” from the outside, but actually, a lot is going on beneath the surface.

Language, speech, even just on the technical side, are very complicated, even before you start adding the social layers on top of it (word choices, cadence, implications of tone of voice, non-verbal communication aspects).

This is a lot to manage, and we do all of this in a split second every time we speak! No wonder, then, that when overwhelm hits and our brain has to juggle resources while trying to regulate the whole system, not everything will function as it usually does.

Your brain is doing exactly what it should to help you cope by focusing on regulation and getting you back to baseline post-overwhelm.

It takes effort and time, and doesn’t happen in an instant. This is why it can feel like getting the words out feels impossible for a while, and when you are able to speak again, it still starts slowly, quietly, maybe with more stuttering or looking for words.

The time it takes to get back to your baseline can be different, and it is not set in stone. Sometimes it is faster, sometimes it is more gradual. Pushing yourself to “snap back” is definitely not going to help; just take your time to decompress and regulate in whatever way you are able to at the moment.

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Related Terms

verbal shutdown

Verbal shutdown is a temporary inability to produce speech despite having intact language and thoughts - an involuntary neurological response to overwhelm. It's when words exist in one's mind but cannot be physically spoken due to sensory, emotional, or cognitive overload. Casually and incorrectly it is sometimes also referred to as 'going non-verbal', but this term is not preferred by the non-speaking autistic community.

Learn more
sensory
palilalia

Palilalia is a form of verbal expression where someone involuntarily repeats their own words or phrases, often with decreasing volume. This natural pattern can help with language processing and self-regulation, particularly during times of stress or when processing complex information.

Learn more
scripting

Scripting is a communication pattern where individuals use memorized or prepared phrases in their interactions. Common in autism, it serves as a valuable tool for managing social situations, expressing needs, and conserving energy while communicating. Scripting can be prepared ahead of time or drawn from previously heard phrases, and helps many autistic people communicate more effectively and authentically.

Learn more
echolalia

Echolalia is a speech pattern where individuals repeat words, phrases, or sounds they have heard. Common in autism, it serves various purposes, including communication, language processing, and emotional expression. Echolalia can be immediate (repeating something just heard) or delayed (using stored phrases from past experiences), and is a valid form of communication that helps many autistic people express themselves and interact with others.

Learn more
voice
autistic speech patterns

Autistic speech patterns refer to unique ways autistic folks communicate or use language, but these patterns can also be present throughout the neurodivergent spectrum. Autistic speech patterns include - echolalia (echoing what you or others say), - palilalia (repeating your own words or phrases), - scripting (planning what you'll say), - verbal stims (using words to stim) - and vocal stims (using sounds to stim).

Learn more
auditory stimming

Auditory stimming is a natural self-regulatory behavior that involves making sounds with your voice, either through non-word vocalizations (vocal stimming) or speech-based expressions (verbal stimming). This form of stimming helps with emotional regulation, sensory processing, and achieving comfort and focus.

Learn more
focus sensory voice
Previous Post:Why do traditional productivity methods make me feel worse instead of better?

About the Author

  • Livia Farkas

    Livia is a Neurodivergent Adaptation Educator with a sharp sense for simplifying complex ideas. Since 2008, she's developed 294 distinct techniques catered to the needs of clients. A total of 5058 alumni have enrolled in one or more of the 8 online courses she co-developed with Adam, offering neurodivergence-inclusive frameworks for time management, goal setting, self-care for mental health, and small-business management. Her life goal is to be a walking permission slip for neurodivergent adults. In her free time, she enjoys stickers & planners, crochet & roller skates, and running around with her pet bunny Rumi.

    View all posts

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