Shutdown and people.

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I am going through a prolonged shutdown / burnout, which means I am communicating less and less.

How do I cope with people who insist on lengthy conversation?

Right now I am at my friend's house, but this friend has autism as well as I do, and we have spent most of Christmas watching TV and going on the internet on our phones, but not talking much, which is the way I like it. However today I will be returning back home to my supported housing, which is full of NTs who insist on small talk and excessive talking.

How do I politely tell them I don't want to talk? I've tried saying "I don't feel like talking" and they say "oh just for a short while"; one hour later, they're still talking :/

Is it a good idea for me to continue locking myself in my bedroom and ignoring everyone? I really do NOT want to communicate with them but they don't get that.

Hmm, probably not because then they would knock on the door and ask if something is wrong. Then they would insist that you open the door so that they could make sure everything is okay...

For me, the best tactic is to pretend you are busy with something.

Or try hiding

In an effort to appear to be more sociable but at the same time not having to talk, ive taken to napping with headphones on in the living room. This works fantastically well for me, as instead of ppl moaning they never see me, im there snoring away so they can see me and hear me - yay!

Note - this may not work for everyone.

Would it work to put a note on the door? A "do not disturb sign"? You might say you don't feel good - which is true - and you don't need to explain anymore. I wouldn't try to explain because they won't get it. They might then think talking helps you, but if they just hear : I don't feel good - well, that can mean anything, it is a fact, and they are more likely to back off. A do not disturb sign will give them instructions. I just had a talk similar to this with my psychologist. He said I have to put up something explicit - a sign - to let others know not to disturb me when I am doing homework. So, maybe it will help here?

Good ideas. Thanks.