Autistic Burnout: Recognizing, Recovering, and Receiving Support

For many adults with autism, dealing with the world designed for neurotypical people can be really tough. They often face sensory overload, pressure to act “normal,” and the need to hide their true selves. This ongoing struggle can lead to a condition called “autistic burnout,” where they feel mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. Understand what autistic burnout is, its symptoms, and ways to recover from it.

Understanding Better Autism Burnout

Autistic burnout is a common experience among many autistic adults. It often happens after years of trying to fit in and hiding their true selves. It’s a feeling of being extremely tired and overwhelmed. This comes from the ongoing stress of living in a world that doesn’t always understand their differences.

Being an adult comes with its own challenges, like having a job, taking care of a home, and dealing with complicated social stuff. These things can make autistic burnout even harder to recover from.

What Does Autistic Burnout Feel Like?

Autistic burnout feels different for everyone, but some common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired all the time and lacking energy
• Finding it hard to focus or finish things
• Being more sensitive to things like noise or touch and feeling more irritable
• Wanting to be alone more and avoiding social situations
• Feeling more sad, worried, or having more meltdowns or shutdowns
• Having physical problems like pain, trouble sleeping, or stomach issues

For many autistic adults, burnout can be really hard, making them feel completely exhausted and unable to do things like they used to.

Recognizing Autistic Burnout Symptoms

It’s important to spot the signs and symptoms of autistic burnout early to prevent it from getting worse. Here are some things to look out for:

• Sensory Overload: Autistic people can be extra sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. During burnout, this sensitivity can become too much, leading to sensory meltdowns or shutdowns.
• Social Withdrawal: Socializing and trying to fit in can be really tiring. Many autistic people might want to be alone more during burnout.
• Trouble Getting Things Done: Burnout can make it hard to plan, organize, and start tasks, making everyday things feel overwhelming.
• Emotional Changes: Burnout can make someone more irritable, moody, anxious, or sad as they struggle to control their emotions.
• Physical Issues: Burnout can lead to chronic tiredness, trouble sleeping, stomach problems, and body pain.

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, it’s important to get help and take care of yourself to avoid things getting worse.

How do you recover from autistic burnout?

Recovering from autistic burnout is different for everyone. It takes time, kindness to yourself, and a focus on your health. Here are some things that might help:

• Rest and Take Care of Yourself: When you’re burnt out, it’s important to give yourself a break. This might mean taking time off work, cutting back on your activities, or avoiding overwhelming situations.
• Get Professional Help: Talking to a therapist who understands autism and burnout can be really helpful. They can give you advice and strategies to cope. They can also help with any other mental health issues you might have, like feeling sad or anxious.
• Use Accommodations: Autistic people often do better with certain changes or supports. During recovery, think about things like changes to your environment, simplifying your routines, or asking for help at work to reduce stress.
• Accept Yourself: Burnout can happen when you’ve been hiding who you really are. Recovery might involve embracing your unique self, finding accepting communities, and letting go of the need to pretend to be someone you’re not.
• Be Kind to Yourself: Recovering from burnout takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Celebrate small successes, forgive yourself for setbacks, and remember that your health is the most important thing.

What are the tips you can use to prevent autistic burnout?

Autistic burnout can be tough, but there are ways to prevent it. Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself:

• Ask for Help: If you need it, talk to your boss about changing your work schedule, reducing your hours, or working from home. It’s okay to take sick days or medical leave if you need time off for your mental health.
• Use School Resources: If you’re in school, talk to your teachers about accommodations that can help you manage burnout. This might include changes to your classroom environment or breaks during the day.
• Manage Social Interactions: Pay attention to how social situations affect you. If they drain you, try to minimize them. You can stay connected with friends through text or social media instead of in-person meetings.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Doing things you’re good at can help you feel more confident and grounded. Try to prioritize activities that bring you joy and use your strengths.
• Seek Support: Don’t isolate yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Reach out to friends, family, or online communities for support. Connecting with other autistic people can be especially helpful.
• Learn to Say No: It’s okay to turn down commitments that are too much for you. Practice saying no to things that don’t align with your well-being.
• Set Boundaries: Identify behaviors or situations that are not okay with you and communicate your limits clearly. It’s important to respect your own boundaries.
• Recognize Early Signs: Pay attention to early signs of burnout, like increased agitation or withdrawal. Addressing these signs early can prevent burnout from getting worse.
• Remove Yourself From Stress: If possible, remove yourself from stressful situations. Having an exit strategy can help you feel more in control.
• Make Time to Be Yourself: Set aside time to unmask and be yourself without suppressing your behavior. Spend time alone if you need to.
• Educate Others: Share your experiences with burnout to help others understand. Self-advocacy can help you feel supported and understood.

Taking care of yourself is important, and these tips can help you prevent burnout and maintain your well-being.

Overcome Autism Burnout Effectively!

It’s important to note that recovering from autistic burnout is rarely a linear process. Relapses and setbacks are common, and the journey toward sustained well-being is often lifelong. However, by cultivating self-awareness, implementing coping strategies, and embracing a lifestyle that honors your neurodivergent needs, you can navigate the challenges of autistic burnout with resilience and hope.
Remember, you are not alone in this experience. Seeking support from understanding communities, loved ones, and professionals can make a world of difference in your recovery journey.