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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

  • Firstly encourage him to abstain from drinking alcohol , using tobacco nicotine caffine or any illiet illigal substances if he doesn't already not necessarily for ever its always personal choice except for the illicet illigal substances of course , if he has experimented don't be hard on him it's a normal part of growing and maturing , it's always a mistake but its one that most people make its one on the humans fatal flaws its natural human behaviour . If and when stress levels are high it's best to do what's good for neurological function, write down a meal plan with him or for him to refer to the best start to any day is 2 wheat biscs with 250ml of semi skimmed milk and one banana then some light exercise like a brisk walk , if he takes medication with breakfast and needs to remain inactive and calm until they've taken effect then it can be helpful for initial periods to seperate the banana from the wheat and eat the banana just before he's ready to leave the front door about 10 minuets before , then walk the banana on , it helps , wheat is antinflamatory and good for the gastrointestinal system milk has lots of vitamis and minerals and bananas are excellent for muscle function,  neurological function genral health and well being , food if eaten correctly provides physical energy and promotes mental alertness agility and emotional resilience and that's exactly what it's intended to do so if diet and lifestyle have suffered which they do in times of stress and worry then the ability to pull youseld out of it is reduced especially when living alone for the first time , there's absolutly no shame in struggling and needing help because every single person needs help and recieves help in one way or another , do breakfast and a brisk walk then build from that .

  • in reply to StUrungusPolyp

    very good sense.  but  i now have zero influence on what he eats.    he's pretty healthy in his eating habits though.   He's been a personal trainer for 20 years so quite fitness obsessed.  although as you say this often falls by the wayside in times of withdrawal. 

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  • in reply to StUrungusPolyp

    very good sense.  but  i now have zero influence on what he eats.    he's pretty healthy in his eating habits though.   He's been a personal trainer for 20 years so quite fitness obsessed.  although as you say this often falls by the wayside in times of withdrawal. 

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