Feeling drained and overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Autistic individuals are especially susceptible to a state of intense exhaustion known as autistic burnout. It’s crucial to understand this condition and the factors that contribute to it to effectively support autistic people in your life.
Autistic burnout isn’t simply being tired after a long day. It’s a complex state of emotional, physical, and mental depletion specific to autistic people and those on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) spectrum.
While the term isn’t yet an official diagnosis, autistic burnout is a distressingly common experience. A 2020 study by AASPIRE shed light on autistic burnout through interviews with autistic adults and online analysis.
Their research helped define autistic burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic life stress. This stress arises from a mismatch between societal expectations and autistic abilities, often compounded by a lack of adequate support systems.
Imagine constantly masking your true self to fit in with a world not designed for your neurology. This ongoing effort can significantly contribute to autistic burnout. When masking becomes overwhelming, your mind might feel like it’s shutting down.
It’s important to differentiate autistic burnout from regular burnout, which typically stems from external pressures like work stress, finances, or relationship issues. Autistic burnout is more deeply rooted in the chronic stress of adapting to a neurotypical world.
There can also be some overlap between autistic burnout and depression. However, depression often manifests with symptoms like sleep problems and changes in mood, while autistic burnout primarily presents with overwhelming fatigue from masking and sensory overload.
Autistic burnout goes beyond simply feeling tired. It’s a chronic state characterized by exhaustion and a reduced tolerance for sensory stimuli. Research participants described it as affecting every aspect of their lives and lasting for extended periods.
The impact of autistic burnout can be severe. Many individuals struggle with mental health issues, difficulties with independent living, and a loss of self-belief. They may fear the skill loss is permanent and face a lack of empathy from those who don’t understand their experience.
Burnout can strike at any age. While children may exhibit “regression” in lost language skills or social withdrawal, adults might experience heightened sensory sensitivity alongside emotional exhaustion, indecisiveness, and memory problems.
Transitions and meltdowns may also become more frequent for both children and adults. Importantly, burnout doesn’t erase autistic skills and abilities; it simply makes it harder to access them. Here are some common signs to watch for:
While other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms, autistic burnout has distinct characteristics. Providers familiar with autism can differentiate between burnout and depression, as some treatments for depression may actually worsen burnout symptoms.
Again, autistic burnout isn’t a formal diagnosis, so there’s no specific test. However, a healthcare professional can recognize developing signs and discuss treatment options. In case you believe you or someone you know might be experiencing burnout, be aware of those key indicators.
Autistic burnout isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, but it shares similarities with burnout in neurotypical individuals. Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, a psychologist, explains that burnout occurs when external demands outweigh an individual’s internal capacity to meet them. In the context of autism, this mismatch can arise from several factors.
Many autistic people adopt coping mechanisms like “camouflaging,” where they suppress autistic traits to appear neurotypical. This might involve masking stimming behaviors, altering speech patterns, or forcing eye contact.
While these strategies can be helpful in social situations, they come at a significant psychological cost. This constant self-monitoring and masking of mannerisms, words, and behaviors drains mental and emotional energy, potentially leading to burnout.
Social interaction, even seemingly “low-level” interactions at work or school, can be tiring for autistic individuals. Dr. Lombardo explains that these interactions, while not necessarily intense, can deplete energy reserves. Imagine navigating social cues and unspoken expectations – it’s a constant expenditure of effort.
A 2020 study found a correlation between burnout and difficulty accessing support. This could include being dismissed when seeking help, being told burnout is their fault, or hearing it’s a universal experience.
Frequent changes, whether job changes, school moves, or even evolving social norms, can also contribute to exhaustion. Each adjustment requires expending precious “spoons” (a metaphor for limited energy) to adapt and cope.
Creating a neurodiversity-affirming environment is crucial. This means allowing autistic individuals to express themselves authentically, including behaviors like stimming. Focus should also be placed on whether the behavior is harmful, and if not, acceptance is key.
Equipping autistic individuals with information about burnout and sensory needs allows them to identify stressors and develop coping mechanisms. This education can come from autistic-led resources, fostering a sense of self-advocacy and control.
While autistic burnout can feel overwhelming, recovery is absolutely possible. Start by trimming your schedule. If commitments aren’t essential, remove them for now. Prioritize rest and downtime by reducing extracurricular activities, work projects, and social events.
Engage in hobbies you find relaxing, those you might have neglected due to your busy schedule. Activities like spending time in nature, drawing, listening to music, journaling, or simply enjoying quiet time with a loved one can be incredibly restorative.
Lastly, prioritize rest. Even with sleep challenges, aim for at least eight hours of rest each night. Avoid stimulating activities like watching the news or scrolling social media before bed. Opt for calming activities like reading or watching a favorite movie.
Rainbow ABA can be a valuable resource in managing autistic burnout. Our board-certified therapists can develop a personalized plan to address the underlying causes of burnout and equip individuals with coping strategies.
Contact Rainbow ABA today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help!
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