Explore the concept of autistic burnout and its impact on sensory sensitivities. Understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. Discover coping mechanisms for managing autistic burnout and ADHD. Learn about the importance of self-care and setting boundaries.
Autistic burnout is distinct from occupational burnout and depression, and understanding its core features is crucial for providing appropriate support.
To cope with autistic burnout, it is important to identify sensory soothing techniques, prioritize rest, and involve a neurodivergent-affirming therapist for effective management.
Deep dives
Autistic Burnout: Definition and Features
Autistic burnout is defined by three core features: chronic exhaustion, loss of skills (particularly executive functioning and speaking skills), and increased sensory sensitivities. It is distinct from occupational burnout and depression. The clinical definition of autistic burnout includes a minimum duration of three months. High maskers are more prone to experiencing burnout, making it essential for mental health therapists to understand and provide appropriate support.
Effects of Autistic Burnout on Daily Life
Autistic burnout can be debilitating and impact various aspects of life. It can result in limitations, reduced distress tolerance, and decreased executive function. Daily activities, such as socializing or work, become overwhelming and contribute to burnout. The lack of understanding and support for burnout in society and mental health therapy can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate treatment. Autistic individuals may have to make adjustments and create boundaries to manage burnout effectively.
Impact of Autistic Burnout on Mental Health
Autistic burnout can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. It can lead to experiences of depression, anxiety, and feeling disabled or unable to perform tasks. The inability to bounce back to a 'normal' state, the idea of being constantly burnt out, and the uncertainty of recovery duration all contribute to the mental health challenges faced by individuals experiencing burnout. Substance use can also increase as a coping mechanism during burnout, exacerbating the negative effects on mental health.
Strategies for Coping with Autistic Burnout
There are several strategies to cope with autistic burnout. These include sensory soothing techniques, developing interoceptive awareness, prioritizing rest, dropping demands, and spending less time masking. It is important to experiment with different techniques to identify what works best for each individual. Involving a neurodivergent-affirming therapist can provide valuable support in understanding and managing burnout effectively.
Do you ever find yourself in a state of paralyzing burnout that can happen even when you're doing activities that you enjoy?
Have you ever taken a vacation to fight the fatigue of life only to find that your post-vacation burnout-recovery state is reversed sooner and more severely than others?
Do you wonder how you can reduce your burnout in a way that works and actually lasts?
Then this episode is for you.
Top 3 reasons to listen to this episode:
Understand what autistic burnout looks like and how it differs from the burnout that might be experienced from things like work.
Identify ways to provide self-care when you are experiencing autistic burnout, as well as how to incorporate sensory soothers.
Learn how autistic burnout and ADHD can affect each other.
Autistic burnout can be a very tiring and frustrating experience. It can have a significant impact on your productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand what it is, how it affects you, and how to deal with it effectively. By doing so, you can preserve your energy and improve your quality of life.
To cope with autistic burnout, it is crucial to identify the activities or practices that help you recharge and calm your senses. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can manage your energy levels and reduce the likelihood of burnout.
This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc
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