Autistic Burnout

The term autistic burnout comes from the autistic community themselves, and has caught the interest of researchers resulting in a few qualitative studies in the field – you will find reference to three of them below. These studies aim to develop a greater understanding of what autistic burnout is, how it is experienced, and what strategies can be identified on alleviating and preventing autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is not an official diagnosis, and there is need for more research concerning it. In other words, more is to be discover and to be developed in our understanding on how to provide the best possible help and support for those who are on the spectrum. Higgins et al.(2021, pg 10) defines criteria for autistic burnout as such:“ Autistic burnout is a severely debilitating condition with onset preceded by fatigue from camouflaging or masking autistic traits, interpersonal interactions, and overload of cognitive input, a sensory environment unaccommodating to autistic sensitivities and/or other additional stressors or changes”.

What is often observed in autistic burnout is the experience of impaired cognitive function, meaning it is more difficult to collect, process and remember information. 
Some may experience loss of skills in areas such as self-care (personal hygiene, cleaning, food intake), and some may experience that their speech is negatively affected,
e.g. not being able to talk. Social isolation and withdrawal from sensory stimulation is another consequence, and it is more prevalent in the case of those who increasingly struggle with social interaction and sensory sensitivity. It is also commonly seen that autistic traits become more visible for one’s environment and it is also important to acknowledge that young and adolescents can experience autistic burnout too.

It should also be noted that anxiety and depression can co-occur, and that autistic burnout is different from the burnout neurotypical individuals experience. Below you will find a short overview over risk and protective factors, as well as interventions that can be helpful. There you will also find the articles listed that this post is based on. And if you struggle with what you think may be autistic burnout – reach out! Getting support and developing strategies that work for you is important for your health
and well being.

Risk Factors and What to Be Aware of

Masking autistic traits and being in an environment with little understanding or tolerance—where one must continuously present as ‘neurotypical’—can place a significant strain on available energy. Additional contributing factors may include sensory sensitivities, stressful life events such as moving to a new location, country, workplace, or school, as well as experiences of discrimination and stigma.

Protective Factors

Managing well-being involves seeking social support from friends, family, partners, and work or school environments; pacing and planning activities to conserve energy; understanding one’s triggers and vulnerabilities; strengthening self-awareness to better recognize and express emotions; and paying attention to signals from the body.

Factors That Can Be Helpful

Supportive approaches include acceptance from one’s environment, including family, friends, workplace, and school; engaging in special interests, which can be inherently energizing; using repetitive motor actions or fidget tools; utilizing sensory aids such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or earplugs; seeking comforting sensory experiences like wrapping in a favorite blanket or taking a shower; and allowing time to disengage from social interaction and rest.

References