Definition. ■ “Autistic burnout is a state of physical and mental fatigue, heightened stress, and diminished capacity to manage life skills, sensory input, and/or social interactions, which comes from years of being severely overtaxed by the strain of trying to live up to demands that are out of sync with our needs.”
I’m exhausted from the end of term and run down. I struggle with change in routine so I‘m thinking this is related as I’m not run down during the term. Would you consider this a burn out?
Considerations Around Transition Age ■ Many adults report their first autistic burnout around transition age ■ May be a particularly vulnerable time due to increase in expectations, number and scope of life changes, and general stress of that developmental time ■ Young people may not understand what is happening to them if it is their first experience of autistic burnout
Strategies and Recommendations for Families and Friends ■ Reduced expectations ■ Acceptance of the person even when they don’t “pass” for non autistic / acceptance of autistic behavior ■ Emotional support, empathic connections ■ Direct support for instrumental activities of daily living ■ Accommodations at work / school / community
Strategies and Recommendations for Families and Friends ■ Reduced expectations ■ Acceptance of the person even when they don’t “pass” for non autistic / acceptance of autistic behavior ■ Emotional support, empathic connections ■ Direct support for instrumental activities of daily living ■ Accommodations at work / school / community
Considerations Around Transition Age ■ Many adults report their first autistic burnout around transition age ■ May be a particularly vulnerable time due to increase in expectations, number and scope of life changes, and general stress of that developmental time ■ Young people may not understand what is happening to them if it is their first experience of autistic burnout
