It is estimated that approximately 80% of people who have autism will also experience burnout. Autistic burnout occurs when a person with autism can no longer cope with the pressures of life, and reacts emotionally to a world that can sometimes feel impossible.
Joe Fautley, a campaigner for neurodiversity, works at the National Children’s Bureau. Joe is autistic and definitively clarifies why burnout is much more prevalent within the autistic community: “Autistic people face extensive challenges because the social world is not designed for us.”
For context, imagine a different world; one that was programmed to suit people with autism. What would that include? Maybe colour-coded schedules and timetables, alongside pictures, rotas and lists? Or possibly a café with quiet coffee machines, a city street with calmer traffic. It could be a world where language is delivered literally, in clear, concise tones. Not to mention a world where eye contact isn’t necessary when having a conversation, and where it’s ok to lose focus on a task and leave it incomplete, without the anticipation of a judgement or criticism.
But the world is not like that at all. It can be full of bright lights, noise, demands, sensory overload and mainstream expectations.
Let’s examine a daily activity that many of us do each day; taking the train to work. Even on a short train journey, there are demands: Have your oyster card ready, go through the barriers promptly; click, click! Keep out of the way, hop onto the escalator, keep to the right, someone pushes past on the left, hop off the escalator; move out of the way! Walk.
Having found the right train line, a loud, muffled announcement blasts across the platform; the train shrills and thunders into the station, creating a blast of warm, muggy air. Wait. Let people off; move out of the way, get on the train, squash into the carriage, look for a seat, spot a seat; someone else took it. The train suddenly moves; grab something to hold onto. It’s ok, the journey will be over soon.
All that effort, just to get to work.
The world can be overwhelming as a mainstream person, but for someone autistic the expectations of just a simple activity can really take its toll. As this level of stress builds, it can lead to a condition known as autistic burnout, where a person has become so consumed with trying to fit into the mainstream world that they become totally exhausted and are unable to function.
Joe Fautley, National Children’s Bureau
Joe, (pictured above), understands why burnout can be inevitable for some: “Autistic people are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety daily, as they must navigate a complicated and often confusing sensory and social world.”
If we reflect on the train journey, maybe in a mainstream world it wouldn’t be the best part of the day, but most of us can process the events as they unfold, without a lasting impact.
For someone who is neurologically programmed via an alternate pattern of brain connectivity and alterations in sensory processing and executive function, taking a train journey can be overwhelming. As Joe explains, “We all face many challenges with communicating and interacting with others; managing sensory processing; fatigue and burnout.”
Feeling the Burn
Experiencing autistic burnout can feel like hitting a wall. Some common symptoms include:
- Physical exhaustion
- Emotional overwhelm
- Sensory overload
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities
- Increased anxiety or depression
As burnout approaches, there will be a surge of feeling increasingly drained. Joe describes this as “Extreme fatigue, that can be caused by a variety of factors, including sensory overload and dealing with social situations.”
As the demands of life continue to be out of sync with an autistic person’s programming, they will perservere until something has to give. Joe summarises the build-up: “Trying to cope with these pressures can lead to exhaustion (autistic fatigue) and over time this can lead to autistic burnout.”
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
If you’re experiencing autistic burnout, you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. The most important thing is to take care of yourself and seek support, and practice some or all of the following self-care strategies:
- Ensure you get enough sleep. Take breaks when needed.
- Minimise sensory overload by creating a peaceful space.
- Engage in relaxation and recharge activities, such as meditation or time outdoors.
- Connect with other autistic individuals or mental health professionals who understand your experiences.
- Learn to say no and establish healthy boundaries.
To find out more about living with autism, please follow this link in which Joe Fautley illustrates an insightful overview of the challenges a person with autism can face on a day-to-day basis.
Joe’s experience highlights the unique challenges faced when living with autism. This invaluable insight helps us grasp why they are more prone to burnout, subsequently fostering greater understanding within the mainstream community.
Recovery from autistic burnout takes time. Understanding your needs and taking steps to manage stress will help you cope and improve your overall well-being.
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