What Is Autistic Burnout
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is ASD? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that can be diagnosed at any age. It’s called a ‘Developmental Disorder’ because symptoms usually appear in the first two years of life.
Common Symptoms of ASD
Social and communication challenges
Poor organisation and coordination of movements
Difficulty switching from one task to another
Attention to detail
Unusual responses to stimuli
Autistic Burnout Autistic burnout is a combination of several factors, including masking, social expectations, increased sensitivity, scheduling adjustments, and exclusion.
Shedding Light on Autistic Burnout Autistic burnout is the constant experience of heavy and chronic stress. It’s hard to diagnose, especially in children and teenagers, and can be mistaken for behavioural issues.
Signs of Autistic Burnout in Youth
Saying ‘no’ to tasks without explanation
Avoiding eye contact
Sitting more than standing
Sitting with their heads down
Giving short answers
Using their phone to avoid people
These behaviours protect them when they feel overwhelmed. Often, they can't explain what’s happening, which complicates the situation for adults. Friends and parents might think the child is just lazy or has a bad attitude, worsening the burnout.
What Causes Autistic Burnout? Autistic burnout isn’t caused by one specific reason. It results from various types of stress, such as:
Pretending not to be on the Autism Spectrum
Facing unattainable targets set by family, school, workplace, or society
Living in a world not designed for autistic people
Dealing with noisy and disturbing environments
Life transitions, like leaving school, starting work, facing mental health issues, or losing someone
Triggers of Autistic Burnout
Sensory Overload: High sensitivity to noises and other stimuli
Social Demands: Stress from social requirements
Executive Function Challenges: Difficulty with planning and organizing
High Anxiety: Experiencing high levels of anxiety frequently
These triggers can worsen and lead to depression.
Signs of Autistic Burnout
Feeling weary and stressed both psychologically and physically
Avoiding places and people
Difficulty performing simple tasks at school or work
Trouble organising or feeling disoriented
Displaying more severe signs of autism or struggling to mask symptoms
Duration of Autistic Burnout The duration varies from a few days to several months. Recovery is different for everyone. Some people just need time to rest and heal.
Strategies to Overcome Autistic Burnout
Reach out for emotional support
Relax by engaging in activities of interest
Stay busy and productive
Break tasks into smaller steps
Last Words
Autism and autistic meltdowns in adults and youth are becoming common. Recognizing them early can prevent worsening. Autistic burnout can make life frustrating and difficult.
What’s Next?
Laro Therapy specializes in healing complex minds and helping them discover themselves. We help balance thoughts and mental peace.