Autism burnout

So true about the judginess being all around. I’m feeling that right now too. I was close to burn out and still am in the last week as my kids and then husband were off sick and nothing was going to plan. I was also starting a petition as I found out adult autism assessment service is closing here and I’ve been on the waiting list for 1.5 years! There’s so much judgement and lack of communication with a diagnosis never mind without. In late self diagnosed. 

I can understand this Jenni123. The judginess all around.

Trying to lower sensory input CAN help to numb towards stimuli. Will try ear buds more. Make a  conscious effort to. Thank you

Glad you found it helpful and I hope some of it helps you get back on track  

I will look these up too as often in a similar place. Thank you! 

my own coping would be increased use of ear buds as I often don’t use them and force myself to try without but I end up anxious and not in a good place. I still worry too much about what people think and I have lots of judgy attitudes around me. I’d also try anything in water so swimming or even a bath as it lowers sensory input. Changing rooms can be hard work though but once my goggles are on I can feel better. Prob also dipping in to the community as one of my worst habits is isolating myself which makes burn out worse for me. 

I'm very sorry to hear that you're struggling with burnout.

There's some great advice here from Dr. Megan A. Neff - a neurodivergent author (who's also a clinician and advocate), along with a link to buy and download her workbook and toolkit if you wish.

I suspect these form the basis for her new, physical book that's due for release in April. But your need is clearly immediate, so hopefully this online advice - and the resources, if you choose to buy them - might help in the meantime:

Autistic Burnout Recovery: How to Build a Recovery Plan

I'm also a big fan of this book of hers, which is the first one that I bought following my diagnosis. The content for each idea is fairly brief, but I found that helpful (vs feeling overwhelmed by an overly long and wordy book) and it introduced me to various strategies that I've found to be effective:

Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!

Gosh, that sums it up, just battling through until the world comes to its senses again! 

Trying very hard to put my routines into place again. Thank you for the reminder that it is indeed worth it!

Very best wishes in your own battle, and thank you for replying, it is very much appreciated!!

Thank you so much for that. The reminder to look outwith my head and outside the windows! Nature is calming to me. I really need to try to get out into it again. Immerse myself in books again, also.

I think, like you do, I need to just consciously shut everything out for a couple of days and rest and sleep. Take that step back.

Then be back (hopefully!) rejuvenated.

Again, thank you for taking the time to reply, that really helped.

Oh yeah that can happen! I like to have headphones on sometimes too so gives me more of a reason not to look in peoples directions or speak to anyone!

I get so caught up in my thoughts I forget what my body is for!

I’d say it’s just natural  we are meant to be doing it by design. The modern world isn’t suited for anyone, let alone autistic people. Twelve hours of vegetation behind a desk Vs using my god given legs to move around the world freely as we should!

It is indeed ️ find a nice quiet spot and just enjoy being present. I guess it’s a form of mindfulness? I’m no good at that normally 

Hi Kuukiir, 

Thank you for posting to the online community. I am sorry to hear that you have been struggling with burnout. 

The NAS website has advice and guidance on burnout which includes accounts from other autistic people on this issue: 

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/autistic-fatigue/autistic-adults

I hope this helps. 

Gina Mod 

Isn’t nature so healing? That warm sunshine on the face really lifts my entire spirit. Definitely worth taking a nice relaxing walk through a park and just be yourself in that time and space 

I can relate to what you’re saying. Christmas is really disruptive and then if other problems happen after it everything becomes unmanageable.

is it worse for you this year?

I keep getting too close to the edge also. I cope by completely shut down for a couple of days. I disconnect my phone, and sleep - and recover just enough energy to get back out there. But I think that’s a survival technique not coping?
But recognise when you’re reaching your limit and try to step back.

Have you got any relaxing activities you enjoy? 

Eg I  love nature, so if I can manage I try to get out for a while, leave my brain at home and connect with nature. 
Just seeing a ray of sunshine trying to break through, looking for signs of spring….  

Having that holiday from living in my head helps things untangle a little. And seeing beauty in the world gives me something to hold onto.

i don’t know if any of that is helpful for your situation?

Hey, really sorry to hear you are suffering, empathy may not be my strong point but it’s written in text so easier to digest. Christmas is a really awkward time for people with ASD, a lot to think about, a lot of planning and spending money, it’s all very overwhelming for anyone. My solution would be to where you can perhaps continue your previous routine? That’s where I’m at right now, fighting on till the day the world settles down again, it’s worth it, keep going!