🧠 Autistic Meltdown Navigator: My Safe Mode Protocol 🛡️

For: [ Name]

Date Created: [Date]

Purpose: A step-by-step guide for crisis prevention, in-the-moment support, and safe recovery from neurological overload.

Part 1: Early Warning & Prevention (The "Snowball" Stage)

ACTION: Check any signs you are experiencing. If 3 or more are checked, initiate "Safe Mode" immediately.

Category	My Personal Early Warning Signs (Check if present)
Mind & Mood	[ ] Catastrophizing small issues (e.g., a financial mistake)
	[ ] Excessive worrying or rumination on past injustices
	[ ] Feeling a noticeable drop in mood (e.g., below 5/10)
	[ ] Feeling a significant loss of control or lack of motivation
Body & Senses	[ ] Body exhaustion, pain, or tiredness despite rest
	[ ] Difficulty sleeping (waking multiple times a night)
	[ ] Increased appetite (seeking comfort)
	[ ] Increased sensitivity to noise, light, or conversation
Social	[ ] Finding it hard to keep up with talking
	[ ] Only speaking the bare minimum
	[ ] Strong desire to isolate from others

If a full meltdown is occurring (e.g., crying uncontrollably, inability to stop ruminating, yelling), follow the support guide below.

🚫 DO NOT (Avoid at all costs)	✅ DO (Offer simple, calm support)
Try to reason with me or debate the issue.	Use low, calm, and minimal language.
Tell me to "calm down."	Use the pre-approved phrases (See Part 5).
Dismiss the problem as "not a big deal."	Manage the environment: Dim lights, reduce noise, create a quiet space.
Overload me with questions or conversation.	Offer simple reassurance if I tolerate touch (e.g., hand on shoulder, weighted blanket).
	Give me space if I need it, but ensure I am safe.

This is a non-negotiable pull-back. My only job is to conserve energy and recover.

Area	Safe Mode Action Plan
At Home	ESSENTIAL TASKS ONLY. Let non-essential chores go (No guilt!).
	FOOD: Order delivery if cooking is too stressful.
	SOCIAL: Limit draining interactions. Use the phrase: "I need some quiet time right now."
	PRIMARY ACTIVITY: Engage in the co-op cooking video game with my partner.
At Work	COMPARTMENTALIZE. Focus only on required essential tasks.
	REDUCE STIMULATION. Use noise-canceling headphones. Take breaks in a quiet space.
	COMMUNICATION. Keep verbal communication to the necessary minimum.

Use these tools to detach from negative thoughts and regulate the nervous system.

Scheduled Worry Time: Write down ruminating thoughts. Tell yourself: "I will process this during my scheduled 15-minute time later."
Focus Activities: Engage in a detailed puzzle, specific hobby, or organizing something small that requires focus.
Co-op Video Games (The cooking game is the priority).

For Me to Say to Myself	For My Partner to Say to Me
"This is a meltdown. It is a storm that will pass."	"You are safe. I am here with you."
"I am in safe mode. My only job right now is to get through this moment."	"We will get through this together."
"My partner loves me and is not angry with me."	"It's okay to not be okay right now."
"I am not broken; I am overwhelmed."	"This feeling is temporary."
"Let's just focus on the game for a little while."	"You don't need to figure anything out right now. Just be."

If I feel I cannot keep myself safe, I will follow these steps:

Internal Strategy: Review the affirmations above. Remind myself: "This feeling is temporary and will pass."
Social Contacts: