Resource Library

AWN Welcome Packet

AWN Network Welcome Packet

Parent Welcome Packet

Parent Welcome Packet

What is Autistic Burnout? a guide from Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network Signs: • Lack of motivation (hard to care about goals when everyday life is overwhelming) • Loss of executive functioning abilities (decision-making, organization, etc.) • Difficulty with self-care • Easier to reach overload or meltdown • Loss of speech, selective mutism • Lethargy, exhaustion • Illness, digestive issues • Memory loss • Inability to maintain masks or use social skills • Overall seeming “more autistic” or stereotypical • May have period of high energy before collapse Causes: • Passing as neurotypical / suppressing autistic traits • Doing ‘too much’, too much stress • Aging: needing more downtime, having less energy • Changes, good or bad (relationships, jobs, living arrangements, belongings, environment, routines…) • Sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, dehydration • Illness • Sensory or emotional overload Strategies: • Time • Scheduling breaks, managing spoons • Leave of absence • Stimming, sensory diet • Exercise • Massage • Reminders and supports • Routines • Better environment/job/etc. • Boundaries, saying ‘no’ • Dropping the mask/façade • Solitude • Absolute quiet • Creative projects, passions, special interests • Paying attention to reactions and your body Sources: “Autistic Burnout – Are You Going Through Burnout?” Anonymously Autistic. Endow, Judy. “Autistic Burnout and Aging.” Ollibean. “Help! I seem to be getting more autistic!” Mel Baggs. Kim, Cynthia. “Autistic Regression and Fluid Adaptation.” Musings of an Aspie. Schaber, Amythest. “Ask an Autistic #3 – What is Autistic Burnout?” Thanks to Lindsey Allen, AWN Nebraska, for compiling this guide ©Autistic Women and Network 2017 **Please note: it was brought to AWN's attention that the source credit for “Help! I seem to be getting more autistic!” belongs to Mel Baggs and not the American Asperger's Association. We made the text correction on this status, and we will be updating the graphic as well. Thank you.

What is Autistic Burnout?

Trans Autistic Healthcare Guide

Trans Autistic Healthcare Guide

Creative Commons License

AWN Network Welcome Packet, Parent Welcome Packet, What is Autistic Burnout?, and Trans Autistic Healthcare Guide by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License

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