Am I odd as an autistic person in not experiencing burnout?

From what I have read, not all autistic people will experience burnout, nor will all experience meltdowns and shutdowns. The term ‘burnout’ isn’t precisely defined and can encompass a wide range of experiences. Over the years, I experienced several periods of ‘just not being able to go on’ and I needed to stay away from work; it felt a bit like hibernation mode. I am much better equipped to manage my daily life now I’m retired. Perhaps it’s because I have more time to focus on my special interest.

I read so many posts about burnouts and shutdowns and it makes me question whether I'm truly autistic. I live a simple life. One to reduce stress to a minimum.  That's because I deteriorate significantly when stressed.

I read so many posts about burnouts and shutdowns and it makes me question whether I'm truly autistic. I live a simple life. One to reduce stress to a minimum.  That's because I deteriorate significantly when stressed.

It sounds like you may have a set up which is somewhat suitable. There's nothing wrong with a simple life. I do think more people wished they had that. Not taking into account the paradox of heavy masking, neurodivergent people often do things their own way due to different social parameters. 

A few years ago I had imposter syndrome relating to something which wasn't autism. I learned you can compare yourself forever and a day to others but it doesn't get you anywhere. Everyone is different.  Accept yourself for who you are.

Unknown said:

I read so many posts about burnouts and shutdowns and it makes me question whether I'm truly autistic. I live a simple life. One to reduce stress to a minimum.  That's because I deteriorate significantly when stressed.

Avoiding the situation that can cause burnout / shutdown is very wise.

The fact you have managed to avoid it does not mean you are immune to it however and the altered state you find yourself in when stressed does suggest there may be a risk if you remained under pressure for a sustained period.

I would suggest avoiding testing this theory however.

When my stress levels are high for long periods then I become much more prone to opportunistic infections, colds etc and the combined effects only make things worse, so all the more reason to keep in that sweet spot and avoid it.

There is a good article discussing the impact of sustained stress on the bodys health here:https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/stress/the-stress-chemical-cortisol-short-and-long-term-effects-on-the-human-body/

Remember that shutdown is only one trait of autism - not having it is akin to not having elements of ADHD or OCD - you don't have to have a full set to still be autistic. It is the nature of a spectrum condition.

Burnouts, shutdowns and/or meltdowns are not required for an autism diagnosis. The NICE guidelines, which NHS autism services adhere to, and good private autism assessors follow, list the UK requirements but most autists have a differing and wide range of difficulties and challenges and nobody is exactly the same. In the past, there was a lot of stereotyping about autistic people, but now the spectrum embraces all sorts of abilities and disabilities. It sounds like the times of significant deterioration you experience could be burnouts, but if not, it doesn’t make you not autistic.