How to understand autistic burnout physical symptoms ?

Autistic burnout is a state of intense physical, mental or emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by a loss of skills, function and reduced tolerance to stimulus1. It is caused by chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports2. Autistic burnout can have serious consequences for the well-being and quality of life of autistic people, such as increased suicidal ideation3, depression, anxiety, isolation, and loss of identity4.

Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of autistic burnout and seek help when needed. Some of the signs of autistic burnout are³:

• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Withdrawal from social activities or interests
• Increased autistic behaviors or difficulty masking
• Reduced functioning or coping in daily tasks
• Increased sensory meltdowns or shutdowns

If you are experiencing any of these signs, you may benefit from some of the following recovery tips:

• Take a break from stressful or demanding situations, such as work, school, or social obligations. Give yourself time to rest and recharge your energy.
• Seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or doctor who understands autism and can provide you with appropriate support and treatment. You may need medication, therapy, or other interventions to address your mental health needs.
• Find a supportive community of autistic people who can relate to your experiences and offer you empathy, advice, and encouragement. You can join online forums, groups, or organizations that cater to autistic people.
• Practice self-care and self-compassion. Do things that make you happy and comfortable, such as engaging in your special interests, hobbies, or passions. Treat yourself kindly and avoid self-criticism or blame.
• Set realistic and flexible goals and expectations for yourself. Recognize your strengths and limitations, and don’t compare yourself to others. Adjust your pace and priorities according to your needs and abilities.
• Advocate for your needs and rights. Communicate clearly and assertively with others about what you need and want, such as accommodations, boundaries, or preferences. Seek help from others when you need it, and don’t be afraid to say no when you can’t or don’t want to do something.
• Learn coping skills and strategies to manage stress and sensory overload. For example, you can use breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, stimming behaviors, or sensory tools to calm yourself down or regulate your emotions.
• Seek out positive sources of information and inspiration about autism. Read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts by autistic authors or experts who celebrate autism as a natural variation of human diversity. Learn more about your identity and culture as an autistic person.

The pros of following these tips are that they can help you recover from autistic burnout and prevent it from happening again. They can also improve your mental health, self-esteem, happiness, and well-being as an autistic person. The cons are that they may require time, effort, resources, and support that may not be easily available or accessible to you. You may also face challenges or barriers from society or other people who do not understand or respect your autism.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about autistic burnout:

• Q: How long does autistic burnout last?
  • A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on various factors such as the severity of the burnout, the individual’s circumstances, the availability of support and treatment, and the person’s coping skills. Some people may recover from burnout in a few weeks or months, while others may take years or never fully recover.
• Q: How common is autistic burnout?
  • A: There is not enough research on the prevalence of autistic burnout among the autistic population. However, some studies suggest that it is a common phenomenon that affects many autistic adults at some point in their lives⁴. Autistic burnout may be more likely to occur during periods of transition or change in one’s life⁵, such as adolescence, adulthood, parenthood, career change, etc.
• Q: How can I prevent autistic burnout?
  • A: The best way to prevent autistic burnout is to avoid or reduce the sources of chronic stress that cause it in the first place. This may include finding a suitable environment that matches your sensory needs and preferences; choosing a career or occupation that aligns with your interests and abilities; seeking out supportive relationships with people who accept and appreciate your autism; learning to unmask your true self and express your emotions authentically; finding a balance between rest and activity; and practicing self-care regularly.

I hope this information was helpful for you. If you have any more questions about autistic burnout or anything else related to autism, feel free to ask me. I’m always happy to chat with you. 😊

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