Autism & Burnout
If you are autistic or neurodivergent in some other way–the neurodiversity umbrella is quite large–you may be familiar with the burnout that comes from constant masking, self-monitoring, and playing a public persona. You may become so exhausted that everyday tasks become overwhelming or impossible. That is not a failure on your part–that is autistic burnout.
Unlike general burnout from work or school that we normally hear about, autistic burnout is linked to navigating a world that is not made for someone who is neurodivergent. Our society and culture is not always accommodating to autistic ways of thinking, communicating, or experiencing sensory input. Think about how many desk jobs include spending 8 hours under harsh and bright fluorescent lighting, leading to overstimulation and overload–the world is not made with sensitivities in mind. Over time, this repeated extra effort to appear “normal” or unbothered can take its toll on both mental and physical health.
What is autistic burnout?
Autistic burnout is a state of deep mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that develops after long periods of masking or sensory overload. It is sometimes described as one’s ability to cope declining significantly. Things that once felt manageable, such as social interactions and routines become draining. It’s important to note that this is not a sign of weakness. It typically indicates the opposite: that you have been so vigilant about performing that you have exceeded all energy that you have left in the reserve.
Signs of autistic burnout
Stronger than usual need for solitude to recharge
Increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures
Extreme fatigue
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or shutting down
Feeling detached, discouraged, or unsure how to regain old level of functioning
Why does autistic burnout happen?
Having to mask who you are in an attempt to feel like those around you is not easy. Masking, hiding neurodivergent traits to meet social expectations, takes energy and attention that can be focused elsewhere. While masking can help you to navigate social environments more easily, it also requires significant mental energy.
Additionally, many neurodivergent individuals grow up feeling dismissed, being told they are simply weird or different. This can lead you to feel like you need to “push through” discomfort in school, work, and social settings due to fear of being called out for appearing different. Invalidation is a very real risk of living as a person with autism in the world and pushing through can eventually lead to resentment and burnout.
Recover from burnout
You can recover from these feelings of burnout. Recovery usually includes slowing down, reducing demands, and allowing your nervous system to recover. Any of your typical self-care activities can be helpful here, including reading, working on special interests, or journaling in a quiet and controlled environment. Recovering also includes something that can be more difficult: recognizing personal limits and advocating for needs. Remember, setting limits isn’t selfish. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. Similarly, although it is hard to be seen and to try to have others understand, advocating for what you need in relationships and in public situations is one of the greatest forms of self-care there is.
Mind Body Wellness is here as a source of support in the fight against autistic burnout. Through neuroaffirming autism therapy, we can help you develop coping strategies and build more sustainable ways to respect your energy. Although recovery can sometimes feel discouraging, you deserve peace, softness, and a life that is in balance with who you truly are.
