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Autistic burnout - is there any way to help?

WaitAndSee

I'm the mother of a very late diagnosed adult son with autism.   He's now 38, diagnosed two years ago.  Over the years he has had many autistic shutdowns we have come to realise.   They happened about twice a year and he would isolate himself for a week or two.  Usually end up depressed and needing help.  .  It could be that is what he is having now, but i  think, from what i have read it is a burnout.  its already more than 2 weeks, and there is no sign of any change.   He's been at uni for 18 months and putting a lot of pressure on himself.  Bur he has also really enjoyed it and has a wonderful girlfriend.  He lives alone and obviously  its hugely worrying for those of us that love him as he just won't communicate in any way.  Phone turned off,  front door barricaded.  No contact with his uni or his therapist.    We don't know if he's dead or alive or depressed/suicidal unless we enter his flat uninvited which he hates, of course.  I did see him yesterday, and he seemed to be 'normal' apart from not wanting to see me or anyone else.  I am now getting used to this new normal  and realsie there is nothing i can do - or is there?  

can anyone offer any similar experience/advice or reassurance.   

Parents

  • Noooooooo! I spent a really very long time creating a reply but I've just lost it due to having a poor signal! Apologies! I shall hereby attempt to redraft it in as faithful a fashion as possible! Here goes: I find that immersing myself in activities which I truly enjoy or am deeply passionate about, whether it be illustration or LEGO design, (otherwise known as special interests!) (those are mine!) not only provide a welcome distraction from distress but also help me to better recharge, ultimately reducing burnout. I find/found it to be a really very useful strategem indeed - and (as of yet!) it's worked great! I would very much recommend it! :-) If you're not certain as to what his special interests may be (or rather may entail!), try suggesting something which you think he might like - perhaps there's a particular childhood interest in which he might like to rekindle! :-) You could even ask him as to what he finds to be most fun - when you're able to do so! When I was feeling really very sad, and unable to move forward, I did exactly this - and it changed everything! If anything, it's very much worth a shot! :-)

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  • Noooooooo! I spent a really very long time creating a reply but I've just lost it due to having a poor signal! Apologies! I shall hereby attempt to redraft it in as faithful a fashion as possible! Here goes: I find that immersing myself in activities which I truly enjoy or am deeply passionate about, whether it be illustration or LEGO design, (otherwise known as special interests!) (those are mine!) not only provide a welcome distraction from distress but also help me to better recharge, ultimately reducing burnout. I find/found it to be a really very useful strategem indeed - and (as of yet!) it's worked great! I would very much recommend it! :-) If you're not certain as to what his special interests may be (or rather may entail!), try suggesting something which you think he might like - perhaps there's a particular childhood interest in which he might like to rekindle! :-) You could even ask him as to what he finds to be most fun - when you're able to do so! When I was feeling really very sad, and unable to move forward, I did exactly this - and it changed everything! If anything, it's very much worth a shot! :-)

Children
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