Can defense mode or autistic shutdown look like catatonia? Staring into space or at their caregiver, perhaps lips moving but not able to speak? I found this description that sounds about right: "Akinetic catatonia is the most common [of three types of catatonia]. Someone with akinetic catatonia often stares blankly and won’t respond when you speak to them. If they do respond, it may only be to repeat what you said. Sometimes they sit or lie in an unusual position and won’t move." The episode is brief, usually less than a half hour and comes on when my teen is overwhelmed and perhaps when blood sugar is low, but still it feels a bit alarming to witness. https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-is-catatonia

Posted by Sarah 19 at 2023-01-26 18:38:37 UTC