Communicating during shutdowns

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Occasionally I get shutdowns when I'm out in public. I usually sit still, stare into empty space and do nothing. This wouldn't be a problem if no one asked me if I'm okay. Most of the time when I'm having a shutdown people ask me if I'm okay. I usually say that I am okay hoping that the other person will leave me alone. Unfortunately they often ask me again. I do not have the energy to "make myself look okay" or "explain my situation". I even had a small meltdown because of this. I haven't had meltdowns since I was twelve. What is an easy way to make myself look normal or at least make people leave me alone?

I cannot look normal during a shutdown. I just have to escape. I leave, go home etc.

My shutdowns aren't that bad. I look normal enough for people not to stare at me, but distressed enough for people to ask if I'm okay. I don't even have a problem saying that I'm okay. I just have a problem convincing people that I'm okay. I guess I'm technically not okay, it's just that asking me if I'm okay over and over makes me way more stressed than I would be otherwise.

I don't understand....what makes you look distressed? Is it the look on your face (or absence of a look on your face) maybe? Is sitting still and staring into space inherently distressed-looking to most people and I've just been unaware of this?

Could you carry a book or newspaper with you and take it out and stare downward so it looked like you were reading? Would that be possible for you during a shutdown state?

I have a prerecorded message on my phone that I just click that explains that I am autistic, that I am in overload, and that its just best to leave me alone.

I think it's because I'm staring into empty space. I've taken pictures of myself staring into empty space and I looked kind of crazy. I might be able to bring a book, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to convince people that I'm reading.

I'm not really autistic. I just zone out/ have shutdowns.

I stare at my smartphone as though I am reading something. I find it to be a great way to look less freaky, and people tend not to want to interrupt. Sometimes I add earbuds to the mix, but not usually.

Prior to getting the smartphone I always carried around a magazine or book I could pretend to read.

I can't talk then. If I start melting down, may become aggressive.

Can you keep on walking? That's what I do. Randomly walk around.

Edit: Sorry red the thread wrong­. My trick is for meltdowns not shutdown.

I think it is disturbing to a lot of people, especially if you are sitting alone while doing so. They think you should be with other people and/or obviously engaged in some kind of activity.

Great idea.