Autistic Burnout

I want to spend a moment today to discuss  autistic burnout, including its signs, causes, impact, and ways to offer support to someone you support who might be experiencing this condition.

What is Autistic Burnout?

Autistic burnout is a state of profound exhaustion and overwhelm that can deeply affect autistic people of all ages. It's so important to understand what this experience is like, as it has a huge impact on well-being. Because every autistic person is unique, burnout can show up differently for everyone, so recognising the individual signs is key.

Understanding the Signs

Autistic burnout isn't just feeling a bit tired. It's a state of deep exhaustion that can affect a person emotionally, physically, and mentally. Emotionally, someone experiencing burnout might have more meltdowns or shutdowns than usual, feel more anxious or irritable, or just generally feel overwhelmed. Physically, they might experience things like headaches, changes in their sleep or eating patterns, digestive problems, or become much more sensitive to sensory input – things like sounds, lights, textures, or smells that might not have bothered them before can suddenly feel unbearable. Mentally, they might have trouble concentrating, experience memory problems, withdraw socially, or even struggle with things they used to be good at. It's like their inner resources are completely depleted

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What Contributes to Burnout?

There are many things that can contribute to autistic burnout. The everyday demands of school, work, social interactions, and just navigating the world can be incredibly draining. Sensory overload, hormonal changes (especially during puberty), and internal pressures can also play a big part. One really significant factor is often masking. Many autistic people learn to hide their autistic traits to fit in, and this takes a tremendous amount of energy. It's like constantly acting, and it can be incredibly exhausting. Sometimes, even seemingly simple tasks can feel overwhelming due to demand avoidance, which is often linked to the autistic experience. It's also worth noting that difficulties with interoception – our sense of what's going on inside our bodies – can make it harder for some autistic people to recognise the early signs of burnout.

The Impact of Burnout

Burnout can have a snowball effect. Each episode can make someone more vulnerable to future burnout, and this can lead to long-term difficulties like increased anxiety, depression, and challenges with independence. It's a serious issue that can significantly affect quality of life.

How to Help (and How to Help Yourself)

If you think someone is experiencing autistic burnout, the most important thing is to offer support and understanding. Prioritising rest is absolutely essential. Think of it as giving their mind and body a chance to recover. Therapy can be incredibly helpful, especially for addressing sensory sensitivities and developing coping strategies. Making adjustments to their environment or routine – what we call accommodations – can also make a huge difference in preventing future burnout. Things like noise-canceling headphones, flexible work or school arrangements, or access to quiet spaces can be invaluable. Having a supportive network of people who understand and care is also crucial. If you're autistic and experiencing burnout yourself, please remember that it's okay to ask for help. Learning to recognize your own burnout triggers and advocating for your needs are vital acts of self-care.

Seeking Professional Support

Because autistic burnout can make it difficult to manage daily life, including school or work, seeking professional help from therapists or specialists who are knowledgeable about autism can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide personalised support and guidance.

Moving Forward with Empathy and Understanding

By truly understanding the causes of autistic burnout, recognising its diverse symptoms, and offering compassionate support, we can help autistic individuals thrive and live fulfilling lives. Remember, autism is a natural variation of human experience, and embracing this neurodiversity creates a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.