Hidden Meltdown: No idea how to support Autistic Burnout

Autistic Burnout

Autistic burnout is when someone on the autism spectrum experiences physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion. It is often a result of prolonged exposure to stressors, sensory overload, social demands, and the effort required to navigate a world that may not always be accommodating to neurodivergent individuals. Autism burnout can affect some parts of their life, or, for some, their lives fall apart, resulting in mental health issues.

What does 'Autistic Burnout' look like

There's nothing left to give; they're too exhausted to manage their environment and can no longer cope. With fear and panic as they feel their life slips away from them

Characteristics

This can affect every area of a person's life and daily functioning, lasting for up to 3 months or more. Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education did a pilot study on Autistic Burnout and suicidal behaviour.

• Irritability and resentment, no longer having the energy or enthusiasm to do the things they enjoy

• Increase in autistic behaviour to manage their stress, such as Stimming and repetitive behaviours or talking to themselves.

• Intensified sensitivities to light, sound and other senses

• Regression of Skills such as speech, cognitive, and executive skills, such as planning and organising. 

• Depression and heightened anxiety stop them from functioning.

• Suicidal Ideation and suicidal behaviour

Why an Autistic Burnout may happen

1. Sensory Overload: Autistic individuals experience sensory sensitivities, making them more susceptible to becoming overwhelmed. The sensory inputs of bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. Prolonged exposure to sensory stimuli without adequate breaks or coping mechanisms can contribute to burnout.

2. Social and Communication Challenges: Navigating social interactions and communication can be challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum. Interpreting social cues, engaging in conversation, and meeting societal expectations can be draining.

3. Masking and Camouflaging. Some autistic individuals engage in masking or camouflaging behaviours, where they suppress or hide their autistic traits to fit in or conform to social norms. This effort to "blend in" can be exhausting and lead to burnout.

4. Executive Functioning Demands: Executive functioning challenges, which involve skills like planning, organising, and initiating tasks, can contribute to stress and burnout. Academic or work-related demands can be a challenge.

5. Mismatch Between Environment and Needs. Environments not designed to accommodate sensory differences or provide appropriate support for social and communication challenges can contribute to burnout. Schools, workplaces, and public spaces may need to be more neurodiversity-friendly.

6. Emotional Exhaustion: Constantly managing emotions in response to societal expectations or sensory stressors can lead to emotional exhaustion. An autistic person may not fully understand what is going on. This, in turn, can create a lot of stress and anxiety, taking a toll on their mental well-being.

7. Masking

8. 
   

9. Masking means hiding their autistic traits so they act like a non- autistic person. Needing to fit in, especially if they are being laughed at or bullied

10. The Dismissal of needs, asking for support but not being believed. Teachers and employers do not understand or know how to support the autistic person.

Autism burnout is not a clinical diagnosis.

It is a concept used to describe the cumulative impact of ongoing stressors on autistic individuals. Recognising and addressing the unique needs of autistic individuals creates neurodiverse-friendly environments. Promoting self-care and coping strategies is essential in mitigating the risk of burnout. We need to support the well-being of individuals on the autism spectrum.