What Is Autistic Burnout? A Guide From Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)

What is Autistic Burnout? a guide from Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)

Signs: • Lack of motivation (hard to care about goals when everyday life is overwhelming) • Loss of executive functioning abilities (decision-making, organization, etc.) • Difficulty with self-care • Easier to reach overload or meltdown • Loss of speech, selective mutism • Lethargy, exhaustion • Illness, digestive issues • Memory loss • Inability to maintain masks or use social skills • Overall seeming “more autistic” or stereotypical • May have period of high energy before collapse

Causes: • Passing as neurotypical / suppressing autistic traits • Doing ‘too much’, too much stress • Aging: needing more downtime, having less energy • Changes, good or bad (relationships, jobs, living arrangements, belongings, environment, routines…) • Sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, dehydration • Illness • Sensory or emotional overload

Strategies: • Time • Scheduling breaks, managing spoons • Leave of absence • Stimming, sensory diet • Exercise • Massage • Reminders and supports • Routines • Better environment/job/etc. • Boundaries, saying ‘no’ • Dropping the mask/façade • Solitude • Absolute quiet • Creative projects, passions, special interests • Paying attention to reactions and your body

Sources: “Autistic Burnout – Are You Going Through Burnout?” Anonymously Autistic. Endow, Judy. “Autistic Burnout and Aging.” Ollibean. “Help! I seem to be getting more autistic!” American Asperger’s Association. (EDIT: Credit goes to Mel Baggs) Kim, Cynthia. “Autistic Regression and Fluid Adaptation.” Musings of an Aspie. Schaber, Amythest. “Ask an Autistic #3 – What is Autistic Burnout?” Thanks to Lindsey Allen, AWN Nebraska, for compiling this guide ©Autism Women’s Network 2017