Everything You Need to Know About Autistic Burnout in Adults
What Does Autistic Burnout Feel Like?
Autistic burnout can feel like you’re walking on a tightrope while being bombarded by an influx of balls- it simply becomes too much to manage.
Autistic burnout is a genuine and profound experience for many Autistic adults. It encompasses physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from the prolonged stress of navigating a world primarily designed for neurotypicals. A world that is not designed with your unique needs.
Despite the fact that it’s so common, many people are unaware that there is an explanation for feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Burnout is one of the most common reasons Autistic adults seek therapy.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Autistic Burnout?
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of Autistic burnout. As you get better at recognizing your symptoms, you might be able to spot the signs of burnout earlier before it becomes serious. Signs and symptoms of Autistic burnout are:
Extreme fatigue
Communication difficulties
Heightened levels of anxiety or depression
Reduced capability to cope
Challenges in performing daily tasks
Dissociation
Problems with concentration
Dizziness or mental fogginess
Easily overwhelmed
Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds or smells
Panic attacks
Physical illnesses, such as colds or flus
Decreased ability to plan/execute
Withdrawal or disengagement from friends, social groups, or places
Devoting any available free time to recovery
What Causes Autistic Burnout?
Autistic burnout can be triggered by various factors, and although they may vary among individuals, there are several common triggers and causes:
Sensory overstimulation
Masking
Social pressures
Academic or occupational demands
Not enough rest
Cognitive overload
Challenges in managing tasks and responsibilities
Emotional exhaustion
Autistic Burnout Recovery
In order to prevent or mitigate burnout, it is important to create an environment that supports the needs of Autistic adults. This may involve:
Minimizing demands
Using sensory soothing techniques
Decreasing or eliminating sensory input
Finding sensory friendly spaces
Allowing for breaks
Encouraging self-care practices
Advocating for yourself in work or school
Advocating for yourself in relationships
Finding people you can unmask with
Engaging with your special interests
Seeking support from comforting people
Seeking support from a mental health professional
Autistic burnout isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a gradual process, like a slow leak. Knowing the symptoms, recognizing triggers, and building a supportive environment can help reduce or prevent your burnout. A supportive and neurodiversity-affirming therapist can help you create a plan to promote overall well-being. I’m here in Chicago and online to support my Autistic clients with burnout.
Online Therapy Services Offered at Empathic Counseling Services in Evanston, Chicago, and Beyond
Ivy Ellis, LCSW PMH-C is a licensed mental health therapist dedicated to helping overwhelmed adults feel better about themselves and their lives in Evanston, Chicago, and beyond. Ivy’s niche specialties include supporting Autistic/ND adults, anxious adults, and pregnant and postpartum women. Ivy, at Empathic Counseling Center, offers online therapy for adults in Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, Indiana, and Michigan.