Autism Identification Should Come with a Warning Label (Including Autistic Burnout)

There are things that happen to most autistic people once they identify as autistic, and there should be a warning label! If you're late diagnosed, and high masking, there's a good chance you are, or will be in autistic burnout. There's also skill regression, and not being able to push through anymore. This can be confusing and distressing. I bring you up to date on my health journey, and where I'm at with autistic burnout, and I provide a few resources.

HIGHLIGHTS

Summary

In this episode, Patricia provides a personal update on her health and discusses the challenges of identifying as autistic. She shares her experiences with navigating the healthcare system and dealing with health issues such as vestibular neuritis. Patricia also explores the impact of autistic burnout and trauma, as well as the need for positive male archetypes in her life. She discusses the lack of reciprocity in relationships and the importance of self-compassion and rest. Patricia concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace all parts of themselves and share the podcast with others.

Autistic Burnout

Autistic burnout is a phenomenon experienced by many individuals, characterized by extreme exhaustion, mental fatigue, and sensory overload.
It often results from prolonged periods of masking, camouflaging, and trying to fit into neurotypical expectations, leading to a depletion of cognitive and emotional resources.
Autistic burnout can manifest as difficulty in functioning, heightened sensory sensitivities, emotional meltdowns, and a sense of overwhelm.
Recognizing the signs of autistic burnout is crucial for individuals to prioritize self-care, seek support, and make necessary adjustments to prevent further exhaustion.
Strategies to manage autistic burnout may include setting boundaries, practicing sensory regulation techniques, engaging in self-soothing activities, and seeking therapy or counseling.
Creating a supportive environment that accommodates sensory needs, communication preferences, and individual differences can help prevent and alleviate autistic burnout.
Educating employers, educators, and healthcare providers about autistic burnout can lead to more inclusive and accommodating environments for autistic individuals.
Understanding one's neurodivergent traits can help individuals recognize their limits, advocate for their needs, and navigate challenges related to autistic burnout.
Building a support network of understanding friends, family members, therapists, and fellow neurodivergent individuals can provide emotional support and validation during periods of autistic burnout.

Benefits of having an autism diagnosis (either self-diagnosis or formal diagnosis) for myself

Self-identification and diagnosis in the autistic community are helpful in understanding one's unique neurodivergent traits and needs.
It helps individuals access appropriate support, accommodations, and resources tailored to their specific differences and strengths.
Self-identification empowers individuals to embrace their identity and connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Diagnosis provides validation and a sense of relief for many individuals who have long struggled with feeling different or misunderstood.
Understanding one's autism can lead to better self-awareness and self-acceptance, promoting mental well-being and confidence.
It allows individuals to advocate for themselves in various settings, such as education, employment, and healthcare, ensuring their needs are met.
Diagnosis can help individuals navigate social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and other aspects of daily life more effectively.
Early diagnosis in children can lead to early intervention and support, improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.
It helps dispel misconceptions and stigma surrounding autism, promoting acceptance and inclusion in society.
Self-identification and diagnosis contribute to a more accurate representation of the diverse autistic community, highlighting the spectrum of experiences and challenges individuals may face.

Takeaways

Identifying as autistic can come with challenges and a range of emotions, including anger, grief, and frustration.

Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult, especially when seeking a diagnosis or specialized care.

Autistic burnout is a real phenomenon that can lead to skill regression and a decreased ability to function.

Self-compassion and rest are essential for managing autistic burnout and maintaining overall well-being.

Chapters (please adjust for the addition of the introduction)

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

01:15 The Challenges of Identifying as Autistic

02:08 Struggling with Health Issues

03:32 Navigating the Healthcare System

04:36 The Impact of Vestibular Neuritis

05:59 Autistic Burnout and Trauma

07:15 Grief and Anger in the Autism Journey

08:31 Childhood Experiences and Identity

09:50 The Need for Male Archetypes

11:19 Seeking Support and Advocacy

12:42 The Lack of Reciprocity in Relationships

13:54 Navigating Small World and Limited Energy

15:14 Accepting Where You Are

16:33 The Impact of Autism Diagnosis

17:54 The Complexity of Autism Presentation

19:46 The Validity of Self-Diagnosis

20:21 The Illusion of Neurotypical Functioning

21:31 Embracing Autism as a Disability

22:35 Understanding Autistic Burnout

23:46 The Impact of Medical Appointments

25:17 The Harsh Inner Critic and Self-Compassion

26:12 Fear of Not Functioning

27:05 The Lack of Recognition for Autistic Experiences

28:11 Observing Reciprocity in Relationships

29:07 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

30:00 The Impact of Autistic Burnout on Work

31:06 Embracing All Parts of Yourself

32:20 Conclusion and Call to Share the Podcast

Additional Takeaways

Seek consent and ask for permission before sharing personal reactions or opinions in conversations.

Be authentic and true to yourself in personal relationships, while also considering the needs and perspectives of others.

Strive for a balance between routine and self-care, and be patient with yourself when facing setbacks.

Set realistic expectations and practice self-compassion when working towards personal goals.

Create an affirming household that acknowledges and accommodates the different needs of family members.

Recognize and respect personal endurance and self-regulation in social situations.

Embrace self-expression and navigate social interactions in a way that aligns with your neurodivergent traits.

Take ownership of your own fulfillment and celebrate holidays in a way that aligns with your desires and needs.

Seek support and embrace your sensitivity as a valuable aspect of your identity.

Chapters (please adjust for the addition of the introdruction:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:28 Giving Consent in Relationships

04:44 Being Authentic and Reacting in Personal Relationships

07:27 Struggling with Routine and Self-Care

10:05 Setting Expectations and Practicing Self-Compassion

11:32 Navigating Family Dynamics and Accommodating Needs

16:31 Managing Personal Endurance and Self-Regulation

20:53 Navigating Social Situations and Self-Expression

22:17 Celebrating Holidays and Self-Fulfillment

25:36 Seeking Support and Embracing Sensitivity

PODCAST HOST

Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

LINKS

Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

HSP Online Course--https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/hsp-online-groups/

Online HSP Course Materials (no group included) https://patriciayounglcsw.com/product-category/hsp-classes/

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Jacob L. Wright, "Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

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