An Autistic life is not always easy. An individual can be carrying great stress and feel extreme exhaustion from trying to cope socially and process sensory experiences. They may feel misunderstood and experience high levels of anxiety.

Signs of Autistic Burnout

The concept of an autistic burnout has come from autobiographies, internet support groups and clinical experience. The provisional criteria for autistic burnout, according to Higgins et al (2021) are:

• Significant mental and physical exhaustion

• Interpersonal withdrawal

With one or more of the following:

• Significant reduction in social, occupational, educational, academic, behavioural or other important areas of functioning

• Confusion, difficulties with executive function and/or dissociative states

• Increased intensity of autistic traits and/or reduced capacity to camouflage/mask autistic characteristics

There can be associated features such as:

• Low self-esteem and not knowing what to do to restore mental energy levels

• Confusion as to whether the signs are indicative of a clinical depression

• Loss of self-care skills and ability to regulate emotions

• Persistent difficulties with daily living skills.

How to help when you are experiencing an Autistic Burnout?

The first stage of recovery is to recognise that you are in a state of burnout.  It may be hard with autism to realise that you are fatigued, stressed and overwhelmed due to difficulties with interoception (perceiving their internal mental states)

Addressing your environment is extremely important. Noticing any sensory situations that are contributing to autism burnt out, such as noise, light, smell, and making the necessary changes.

Decreasing current expectations, and determining which aspects of your lifestyle, activities or social engagements need to be reduced or amended to prevent further depletion of energy levels. A psychologist or life coach can help determine what depletes and what restores energy levels. Energy restoration can be achieved by activities such as being in nature, acquiring knowledge regarding a special interest, part time work and a social network that embraces autism and does not accept camouflaging the real self.