Autistic burnout

Autistic burnout is a state of intense mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion experienced by some autistic people.[1][2] It is linked with a loss of skills and function as well as increased sensitivity to stimuli.[1][3][4] Social withdrawal has been described both as a characteristic of and a response to autistic burnout.[4][5][6] Autistic burnout is caused by masking or camouflaging[5] or, more generally, the stress resulting from living in a neurotypical environment that does not sufficiently accommodate the needs of autistic people.[1][2][5]

Initially discussed informally within the autistic community, especially on blogs and social media,[5][7] autistic burnout has been the subject of a growing number of research studies since the late 2010s.[1][5] This development is seen as an example of the growing influence of autistic self-advocacy on academic autism research.[1][3]

Research to date suggests that autistic burnout differs from clinical depression and occupational burnout in both etiology and presentation.[2][3] In contrast to depression, anhedonia and sleep problems are not typically reported as symptoms[3] and in contrast to occupational burnout, autistic burnout does not necessarily have to relate to employment[4] and goes along with increased sensory sensitivity.[8]^: 186 Autistic burnout further differs from occupational burnout in that the latter is widely recognized and thus more readily validated by others, making it easier to receive the support needed for recovery.[8]^: 186

Autistic burnout can last from months to years.[1][2] To recover from burnout, it is generally recommended that autistic people withdraw themselves from the situations that triggered it,[1][4] which can be difficult if stressors are related to the workplace.[8]^: 187 Further, spending time with special interests, stimming, and 'unmasking' have been reported as helpful.[4][8]^: 187[9]