Daughter won't/can't speak

Sometimes talking can require too much processing power (energy), it is not necessarily a sign of distress. I don’t think you should be concerned, she still seemed happy like you said. 

I hope this helps.

Thank you. Its easier to deal with when she's happy. Just carry on with what she's doing because she's happy. When she's not, that's when it is an issue, she will withdraw, shutdown and have self injurious behavior towards herself and others. On top of this she's unable to speak, and sometimes you can't figure out the issue. All forms of communication just shutdowns for her. 

You are very welcome. I imagine it is much easier to deal with when she is happy.

‘When she's not, that's when it is an issue, she will withdraw, shutdown and have self injurious behavior towards herself and others. On top of this she's unable to speak, and sometimes you can't figure out the issue. All forms of communication just shutdowns for her.’

This must be really frustrating and potentially scary for your daughter. All forms of communication shutdown because  the situation you describe is a form of self preservation, there is no processing power left to be able to communicate. Everything must stop and reset in a sense, it gives the nervous system a chance to re-regulate. After the event is she able to articulate the trigger that caused it?

If not, she may need some support with interoception- being able to identify what is going on inside her body.

Also another thought- the concept of energy accounting might be useful:

https://www.purpleella.com/2018/06/07/energy-accounting/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasfearn/2019/08/17/autistic-teenager-creates-app-to-help-people-on-the-spectrum/amp/

I hope this helps.

You are very welcome. I imagine it is much easier to deal with when she is happy.

‘When she's not, that's when it is an issue, she will withdraw, shutdown and have self injurious behavior towards herself and others. On top of this she's unable to speak, and sometimes you can't figure out the issue. All forms of communication just shutdowns for her.’

This must be really frustrating and potentially scary for your daughter. All forms of communication shutdown because  the situation you describe is a form of self preservation, there is no processing power left to be able to communicate. Everything must stop and reset in a sense, it gives the nervous system a chance to re-regulate. After the event is she able to articulate the trigger that caused it?

If not, she may need some support with interoception- being able to identify what is going on inside her body.

Also another thought- the concept of energy accounting might be useful:

https://www.purpleella.com/2018/06/07/energy-accounting/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasfearn/2019/08/17/autistic-teenager-creates-app-to-help-people-on-the-spectrum/amp/

I hope this helps.

Thank you so much for this.