Name overstimulation and plan your exit

fMRI study (Lieberman et al.): verbally labeling an emotional state ('affect labeling') reduced amygdala/limbic reactivity to aversive stimuli and increased right ventrolateral prefrontal activity. Mechanistic support for the 'name it out loud' component, but in a general (non-autistic) sample and measuring neural reactivity, not real-world overstimulation outcomes.

Antecedent-based interventions (modifying the environment/situation in advance to prevent a problematic response, e.g. anticipating triggers and building in breaks) are classified as an evidence-based practice for autistic learners, supported by numerous single-case and group studies. Supports the 'recognize risk circumstances and plan ahead' component — but evidence base is largely children and practitioner-delivered, not adult self-managed planned exits.

Qualitative study of autistic adults: sensory overload is common and disabling, and disclosing/communicating sensory needs plus being able to leave or modify the environment are described as key coping strategies. Lived-experience support for naming the state and planning an exit, but descriptive — not an efficacy test.

Narrative clinical review framing shutdown as overload-driven and recommending proactive load management, sensory accommodations, communicating needs, and built-in recovery/exits to prevent burnout. Aligns directly with the method's burnout-prevention claim, but it is expert/clinical consensus, not empirical.