''
Autistic burnout can look like many things, but most commonly, it shows itself as extreme exhaustion, increased sensory sensitives, loss of executive functioning skills, decreased ability to manage emotions, difficulty adapting to change, and depression.
So far, researchers have learned that periods of autistic burnout can last a long time (weeks, months, or years) and that some people never fully recover.
Autistic burnout might look like:
Difficulty with skills such as speech and language, executive function, self-regulation. Heightened sensory sensitivity or need for more sensory input. Increase in mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
LIfe's chronic agitations and duties aren't always manageable without some level of support from friends, family, and workmates. In instances where none of such people are available, therapy should be considered. On average, it takes about three months for an autistic person to fully recover from their burnout.
Autistic burnout vs autistic shutdown
Burnout is related to both shutdowns and meltdowns, but it is different. A meltdown or shutdown is an immediate reaction to stimuli, while burnout is more of an ongoing state.
The three primary characteristics of neurodivergent burnout include: Chronic exhaustion, reduced tolerance to stimulus, and loss of skills (e.g., reduced executive functioning such as thinking, remembering, creating and executing plans, performing basic self-care skills, and activities in daily living).
It happens when someone becomes completely overwhelmed by their current situation and temporarily loses control of their behaviour. This loss of control can be expressed verbally (eg shouting, screaming, crying), physically (eg kicking, lashing out, biting) or in both ways.
Some signs that a loved one is having or nearing a meltdown may include: being irritable, which can include shouting or physical aggression. fidgeting or stimming more (repetitive movements or noises) getting frustrated over small things.
Autistic people also report the following feelings when it comes to overwhelm: Blood pressure changes. Brain fog/clouding of consciousness. Chest pain.
Autistic traits can amplify the conditions that lead to burnout, and burnout can cause these traits to worsen. They may become unable to speak or care for themselves, and struggle with short-term memory. This harms their ability to perform well at jobs, in school or at home.
While autistic burnout is distinct from depression, it often leads to depression. Autistic burnout is a distinct pathway to Autistic depression and suicidality. And so it is not hyperbolic to say that understanding the difference and treating Autistic burnout can save lives.
A recent National Autistic Society survey found 59% of autistic people said anxiety had a high impact on their ability to get on with life. Experiencing such high levels of anxiety can lead to exhaustion and meltdowns. It may also lead to autistic fatigue and burnout.
However, for many Autistic people, it is the demands and challenges of their normal lives that contribute to burnout. Recovering from Autistic burnout often requires a significant overhaul of one's life, including reevaluating one's values and creating a more sustainable way of living.
Autistic fatigue is a state of extreme mental, physical and/or sensory exhaustion. When the body's resources are overworked, it can result in fatigue. This can then lead on to burnout. Burnout is the body's response to being in a prolonged state of stress and frustration.
Autistic burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports. It is characterized by pervasive, long-term (typically 3+ months) exhaustion, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus.
In some cases, autistic adults know weeks or months in advance that they are close to reaching it, especially if they have burned out in the past. Some psychologists define autistic burnout as “chronic.” That means that, once someone burns out, their symptoms tend to persist for at least several months.
Sensory overload happens when an intense sensory stimulus overwhelms your ability to cope. This can be triggered by a single event, like an unexpected loud noise, or it can build up over time due to the effort it takes to cope with sensory sensitivities in daily life.
Across genders, masking is associated with more symptoms of generalized and social anxiety, as well as depression. One study found that those who said they used masking had higher rates of suicidality. Autistic individuals also report extreme anxiety and stress after spending time suppressing their natural behaviors.
Cut down on unnecessary and stressful interactions. Some autistic people find it easier to have text conversations, if this is the case then sending them a text message asking them simple questions can be helpful. You could even ask them via text if they want to talk or if they would like you to give them some space.
Signs of burnout include: Excessive use of substances, including alcohol, drugs and prescription drugs. Physical and mental overwhelm and fatigue. Moodiness and irritability.