Shutdown / people exhaustion.

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I have been exposed to a lot of human interaction lately through multiple appointments and people seeing me / contacting me on my phone.

I've had enough.

I cannot cope.

The social demands are too great.

I am exhausted and definitely approaching a shutdown. I am struggling to read even the introduction of a chapter of a textbook for my studies for my exams. I am sleeping a lot during the day and staying up a lot at night. I've stopped exercising much. I spend huge amounts of my free time in my bedroom. I'm struggling to communicate with people. Even texting and even typing this is hard.

I am so physically and mentally exhausted; even three cans of Red Bull (or whatever energy drink) wouldn't touch this exhaustion.

What can I do? I am approaching a full non-verbal episode. Or a meltdown. Or a relapse. Or a shutdown. Or any combination of those.

I would recommend finding a reprieve in any way possible. I'd recommend blocking out certain senses (when I'm agitated, I find blocking out sight and hearing tends to help my brain return to a functioning organ), stimming (pacing and rocking are great for calming down, I've found), maybe trying to ward off unwanted social communication? If the person calling you isn't a professor/boss/someone you need to answer, just don't answer. Little bits of reprieve tend to help more than just continuing with the path that's already overwhelming you.

^ thanks. I'll try that.

Easter is a big problem for me at the moment.

Multiple reasons for this, mostly the unfortunate timing of significant birthdays of family which I must attend combined with expectation to be having fun fun fun over Easter.

Who's needs are more important, yours or the the trivial social needs of others. Block out anything that isn't urgent and hibernate. I can sometimes sleep these episodes away.

I know people don't make it that easy but all you can do is try.

I agree with the suggestions of the posters above me.
What you've described is precisely why I avoid my own family gatherings like the plague. Being in an enclosed space with 40+ people (along with their children) is not my idea of fun.

You have every right to "close shop" - unless it's an absolute emergency, you should not reply to phone messages, emails, texts, etc.

Once you feel a sense of balance again, I strongly urge you to speak with your professors (if you haven't already) to inform them of your situation, mainly for the fact that it may come up again during the school year.

It's okay to need time to yourself - for me, it's absolutely necessary to my continued well being.

If my friends have a problem with me not immediately returning their phone calls, emails, whatever, it's THEIR problem, not mine.
Besides, if they're truly my friends, I shouldn't have to explain myself to them just to soothe their hurt egos.

I agree with the good advice so far. You need to have some ASD hibernation time. If anyone will be worried by your lack of communication, let those people know that you don't want to be disturbed for a few days because of an important project/because you aren't feeling well/because you are overwhelmed (if they know you are autistic)/whatever works best for you. Ask people to leave a message or send a text if they have something they need to tell you, and you can get back to them when you feel inclined to do so. Make sure you have enough food for a few days so you don't need to go anywhere. Then ignore any communication attempt unless it's an emergency. Remember everyone takes time of for illness now and then, and this is no different.

Don't go out anywhere for a few days and just spend some time doing your favourite things. Your special interest, watching a film, listening to music, whatever is most relaxing to you. When I get overwhelmed my favourite thing to do is hide under my duvet (the complete darkness helps) with my mp3 player and listen to my favourite relaxing music. I find this really helps to recharge me, especially if I'm focusing only on the music.

Have you ever tried meditation? If not, give it a go - it is the most relaxing and calming thing I know of (often more so than sleeping!). That's the other thing that most helps me when I'm overwhelmed.

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks everyone, good advice which I will implement. Sorry not many words from me now. I will try what you said.