What is autistic burnout? – Dandelion Training & Development

When working with, and supporting children with Autism, it is important to be aware of the risk of autism burnout. Whilst the terminology occasionally flies around, it is lesser spoken of, and often only noticed when children are caught in the depths of burnout, and require a great deal of support.

When a child’s needs have not been met for significant periods, whether through unmatched education support, delayed diagnosis, or traumatic experiences, which creates a risk to their mental health, but can lead to autistic burnout. The early stages of this are autistic fatigue, which is a more commonly known component of autism, which can impact independence and skill development. Whilst autistic burnout is the encompassing physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional traits which affect all aspects of life and functionality.

Autistic Fatigue – refers to the profound or extreme tiredness that arises from a child, young person or adult who is subjected to ongoing external pressures which are greater than their tolerance. The signs of autistic fatigue are extreme tiredness, fatigue, skill regression and intensified sensory behaviours.

Autistic burnout – is a term given to the mental fatigue experienced after a long period of masking. It is a state of mental, physical and emotional state of exhaustion and it directly impacts the individual’s ability to function. When autistic burnout affects a child or young person, their ability to manage life, day to day tasks and functioning is directly implicated. Autistic burnout is marked by a sense of complete overwhelm and chronic exhaustion which is triggered by existing in environments that are not autism friendly, and lacked the accommodations that children needed and deserved. Autistic burnout can be seen through:

Physical:

Sensory overload
Decline in executive functioning skills
Sensory overstimulation
Headaches and migraines
Heightened sensory sensitivities
Ongoing fatigue
Loss of appetite

Cognitively:

Executive functioning difficulties
Difficulty managing or planning tasks
Increased memory issues including forgetfulness
Trouble focusing
Difficulty communicating

Socially:

Challenges with social interactions
Decline or withdrawal from social situations or interactions
Avoidance of social situations or spaces
Avoiding or withdrawing from responsibilities

Psychologically:

Extreme fatigue
Increased anxiety
Feelings of depressive mood or depression
Feelings of being drained
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
Feeling ‘trapped’ or isolated
Poor sleep
Lack of energy
Decreased motivation
Difficulty finding energy or bouncing back
Irritability
Feelings of hopelessness
Sense of failure
Procrastination
Agitation
Feeling cynical
Apathy
Feeling absentminded
Fatigue
Feelings of low mood or depression

Symptoms of burnout vary between individuals and can be diagnosed by a medical professional.

Want to learn more?

Would you like to deliver emotional literacy interventions in your work? Our Level 3 Emotional Literacy Mentor qualification takes you through the theory and practice to deliver emotional literacy support for children aged 3-12 years. You can start today by joining (click here)

Are you looking for a deeper understanding of child mental health? Our Level 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Coaching Diploma takes you into an in depth dive of child mental health and how you can support. You can join our Level 4 training (here).

Further help

For more articles about mental health visit – ARTICLES

To learn more about child and adolescent mental health visit – COURSES

For resources to support child and adolescent mental health visit –RESOURCES