Autistic Burnout

What is it?

Autistic burnout is a term used to describe a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.  

Autistic burnout can affect the ability to function in daily life, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as depression, meltdowns, anxiety, and executive dysfunction.

Causes

It is a result of prolonged exposure to stressors, such as sensory overload, social demands, and other challenges. 

Types of autistic burnout.

• Cognitive burnout ra state of mental exhaustion;  difficulty with tasks that they were previously able to perform easily.
• Emotional burnout  a sense of emotional exhaustion and detachment; feel disconnected from others or experience difficulty expressing emotions.
• Sensory burnout is a state of physical and sensory exhaustion; become hypersensitive or experience sensory overload.

Neural Mechanisms

The neural mechanisms and pathways involved in autistic burnout are still being studied, but it is thought to involve dysregulation of the stress response system and alterations in neural circuitry associated with executive function and emotional regulation. In autistics, the stress response system may be more easily activated and less able to return to baseline, leading to chronic stress and burnout. Additionally, disruptions in neural circuits associated with executive function and emotional regulation may contribute to difficulties with coping with stressors and managing emotions.

There is a growing need for support and interventions to address this issue