Kids with autism can experience a lot of stress from things like sensory overload, environmental triggers, and other challenges. One of the challenges they may encounter is “autistic burnout.” Below, we’ll dive into what it is, how to recognize it, and how to help your child overcome it. Take our brief autistic burnout quiz below to see if your kiddo may be experiencing common symptoms.
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Autistic burnout is a phenomenon that occurs when an autistic person becomes overwhelmed and exhausted from the demands of their environment or life circumstances. It’s beneficial for parents and caregivers to be aware of it because recognizing the signs of burnout can help prevent further distress and adverse outcomes.
The common causes of autistic burnout include sensory overload, social demands, and masking. Sensory overload is when an autistic person’s surroundings cause feelings of overwhelm. Things like loud noises or bright lights can trigger sensory overload. Social demands refer to the pressure to conform to social norms that may be difficult for autistic people. Masking is hiding one’s true self to fit in with neurotypical people. Masking can be particularly exhausting and can lead to burnout over time.
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There are different types of autistic burnout. One type is situational burnout, which occurs when a particular situation or event causes feelings of overwhelm. Another type is chronic burnout, which results from ongoing stress and exhaustion over a longer period.
Signs of Autistic Burnout
Recognizing burnout in children with autism can be challenging because their symptoms may differ from those in adults. Take our autistic burnout quiz below! Parents should pay attention to changes in their child’s behavior, routines, or moods. Asking questions and observing changes can help you recognize when your child may be experiencing burnout. Common symptoms of autistic burnout include:
- Increased difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Sensory sensitivities, such as overstimulation from loud noises or bright lights
- Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations or activities they used to enjoy
- Increased need for alone time or quiet activities
- Increased trouble with executive functioning, such as difficulty with planning, organization, or time management
- Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or digestive problems.
Read More: What is Autism Camouflaging?
Depression vs. Autistic Burnout
Depression and autistic burnout are two different conditions. But they can share similar symptoms, such as loss of interest, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping. Depression is a mental health disorder that can occur in anyone, while autistic burnout is specific to individuals with autism. Causes of depression are typically chemical imbalances in the brain or life stressors. While the cause of autistic burnout is typically prolong stress.
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To tell the difference between depression and autistic burnout, it’s important to pay attention to the context in which the symptoms occur. If symptoms relate to a specific stressor, like a change in routine, it’s more likely to be autistic burnout. If the symptoms are present regardless of the situation and affect multiple areas of life, it could be depression.
It’s possible for a person to experience both depression and autistic burnout, and in fact, they often overlap. This can make it challenging to determine the root cause of the symptoms, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to manage both conditions.
Prevention and Management
Prevention is the best tool to combat autistic burnout. Parents can help prevent burnout by reducing stressors and making sure kiddos get enough rest and downtime. Establishing a routine and providing structure for children can also help to reduce the likelihood of autistic burnout.
During and after burnout, support strategies can help. This can include reducing demands on the child and allowing for more downtime, providing opportunities for relaxation and sensory input, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Encouraging healthy habits like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can also be helpful.
Coping mechanisms and self-care techniques can help the child manage burnout symptoms. This can include practicing deep breathing exercises, journaling, mindfulness practices, and engaging in hobbies and activities the child enjoys. Take our autistic burnout quiz for kids below! Remember, it is not a formal diagnosis tool.
Diagnosing Autistic Burnout
Have you taken our autistic burnout quiz? If your child is experiencing severe symptoms of burnout or if the symptoms persist despite the above strategies, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist or doctor can help diagnose the condition and create a treatment plan that works for your child. This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
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It’s important to note that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but rather a proactive step to ensure your child’s well-being. It’s okay to ask for help, which can lead to positive outcomes for your child. Autistic burnout is a natural and challenging experience for children with autism. It’s essential for parents to be aware of the symptoms and to take steps to prevent and manage burnout. By providing support, understanding, and seeking professional help, parents can help their children navigate burnout and lead happy healthy lives.
This post was originally published on 02/27/2023. It was updated on 06/15/2023.
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