Autism Shutdown Vs Autism Burnout - What's The Difference

Autism Shutdowns and Autism Burnout are both two real realities for autistic people. But what is the difference between a shutdown and burnout? I will also be sharing the signs of autism burnout and tips for both autistic shutdowns and autistic burnout.
💥 Video about autism shutdowns: • What Are Autism Shutdo...
💥 Video about autism burnout: • What Is Autistic Burno...
Coping with autism burnout but also coping with autism shutdown can be tricky. However to understand what autism shutdowns are and what is autism burnout, hopefully you will be able to understand how to avoid them. By openly discussing autism burnout symptoms and characteristics of autistic shutdowns, you might be able to spot them and not just yourself, but someone on the spectrum you know.
Especially as autism regression happens when an autistic people are in burnout. Which not only can reduce skills but can lead to more autism shutdown & autism meltdowns too.
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📝 Information I used for this video:
www.goodtherapy.org/blog/auti...
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ABOUT ME
Videos on autism from the perspective of an autistic adult. Sharing my autism experiences to help other autistic people and autism families to improve understanding of autism.
Hello indie people, I'm Andy and I have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I make videos on autism from the perspective of an autistic adult. Sharing my autism experiences to help other autistic people and autism families to improve understanding of autism.
This channel is focused on raising autism awareness & acceptance of autism. To try and change attitudes towards autism, to educate people about autism for those who are new to the autism world.
**New Videos Weekly: Tues & Fri**
So if you are on the spectrum, know someone with autism or are working professionally in the autism field and want to learn more about autistic people then consider subscribing and turning on the notification bell to see all future videos.
Useful links:
💡 NAS: www.autism.org.uk
💡 Autism Directory: www.theautismdirectory.com/
💡 Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (US/Australia): autisticadvocacy.org/
💡 Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk
💡 Samaritans: www.samaritans.org/
#autismshutdown #indieandy #burnout
☑️ = Affiliate link - Any items purchased through the links with the click mean I received a commission or % of the product cost.

[@IndieAndy]

Hi indie people! If you want to know way of avoid autism burnout, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWW7hGl_opmshdE

[@97dusk]

I ended up experiencing a shutdown for an hour today. No thoughts, no nothing. I can’t even remember what happened during that, and I’m still recovering. I panicked pretty bad at first cause I’ve never actually experienced a shutdown before, but this shed a lot of light on what happened.

[@IndieAndy]

Well I hope that you are feeling abit better today and I'm glad this helped you. Just to say that I do have a video talking about how to stop shutdowns, just in case it might help I'll leave it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qobKdGCBbrGJotE

[@waynepolo6193]

That… sounds like it could be dissociation, not burnout.

[@neosgaming1]

I had a job that caused me so much in way of burnout and this lockdown has gave me space away from it and I’m feeling like myself again so I’ve decided not to go back and that makes me happy

[@albamg04]

I had a meltdown in the breaktime of secondary school while a fight with a friend, not so much time ago. I had never been in a situation like that so I didn't know how to handle it. After that, I had a burnout. I was hiding every morning in my secondary school's library while recovering. It has been an entire month where I was tired and unable to communicate correctly, even my friends were angry at me, they think I'm ignoring them. I'm still recovering. Thank you for your videos, they inform me better of what's happening in my life that no one explain me about.

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh gosh that sounds tricky indeed. I guess people in school especially your peers might not get that idea of needing space away for things to be able to come back to them. Maybe if you explained that you just needed some time for you as you didn't feel you were in the right place... I don't know if that could have helped maybe? But I'm glad that you could find some solace in the videos I make 👍

[@spikeSpiegel114]

Does this happen to you frequently, feeling so tired you cant communicate for a month?

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm maybe a few hours but often I have to push through

[@angigar7665]

My son the first 13 years of his life pretty much burnt out. He sleep anytime we did anything or went anywhere well actually even at home he would just burn out. He regressed constantly. Thankfully we got the right therapists in play now we have some shut downs but mainly meltdowns which means we are learning and more open to the world. I’m so glad I came across this video to help really explain it from an individual point of view as opposed to just the professional point of view..

[@IndieAndy]

Aww gosh I'm sorry to hear about your son but it's good to see that things are turning into a positive for you! Aww thank you for that. To be fair a professional point of view is good but I truly feel that getting an all round view of something is always better!!

[@YautjaSpacePirate]

I don't need to see a therapist. I just watch these videos. In my opinion, videos like this is more informational than what a therapist can give.

[@YautjaSpacePirate]

@@IndieAndy However, to he honest, I don't know if I have a burnout or is it just depression? Can you make another video about those two topics?

[@raven4090]

You give excellent advice here. I didn't know what either of these things were until I was 59, but I can remember pushing myself way past my limits though burn outs looking back at all my life, and yes. That has bad repercussions! At 59 I reached the peak of burn out and became completely useless. Could do NOTHING at all for months. At 60 I'm better, but still trying to recover, and hoping I even can. I think I was in this particular one since 1983, but I went through phases of better and worse times, so I didn't know I wasn't done with it during the better phases

[@forgenorman3025]

I shut down a LOT, and I've recently realized that I suffer a burnout every December due to a LOT of things past and present that occur then, including my birthday. It took me until about the end of January to recover this time but it's taken longer in the past. I thought at first they were just depressive slumps but after a major life change (for the better) and I was still getting them I realized depression wasn't the actual issue causing them. Depression comes with it sometimes sure, but it is something of a byproduct if that makes sense. I'm so glad I found your videos, I was diagnosed very recently and am still learning about myself as an autistic person. You explain these things so well! Thank you so much!

[@Garrison_the_Barbarian]

I am both autistic and schizophrenic, which means burnout happens for me more often than I’d like to admit. I can’t do my creative writing or reading during these moments, so I recharge by lying in bed and listening to soft music. The important thing to remember during a burnout is not to beat yourself up over a perceived lack of productivity. You’re more than what you create. You’re more than your output. You’re a human being and you deserve a break every once and a while. I have to remind myself of this quite a bit, but when I get the message, I’m better off for it. Thanks for making this video. You’ve just earned yourself a new subscriber.

[@IndieAndy]

Aww right I see but I definitely agree with what you said about you are more than what you make. It's important as creators to remember to look after ourselves 😉

[@NotSoCrazyNinja]

I guess I'm in a constant state of burnout. My life is hell and there is no escape except death it seems. I can't get away from the cause of the burnout, I've tried, boy have I tried. It's not uncommon for me to come home after work, park in my driveway, and just have a meltdown, then proceed to waste the rest of the night away trying to disconnect and recover, then getting too little sleep, and repeating everything over the next day. On days I have off, there is always something else contributing to the burnout. I can't even handle my own life anymore. I have better days, but the average day is a living hell that I am stuck in and will remain stuck in probably until I die.

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Mark, firstly hope you are ok and that life isn't getting you down too much. But I'll be honest with you, there are times when I have been feeling the same where everything is just hectic and then you just can't switch off during the night... It is a really vicious cycle. But don't give up and hope you find a way out 👍☺️

[@purpleamy645]

I really like how you aren’t afraid to tell people about your experiences! I am going to keep watching your videos now. Have a nice day Andy! 😊

[@purpleamy645]

Gary Francis I am fairly new. Started watching Andy’s videos about 2 weeks ago! 👍🏼

[@IndieAndy]

Aww thank you Amy but to be honest, it's just great being able to create stuff I like which helps others 👍

[@trevorlong8659]

I've been in burnout for the last year. I'm really hoping it'll end soon.

[@euanelliott3613]

When I go to a large city on a Saturday daytime, I feel slightly ill because I feel what feels like waves coming over me, and I have to find a quiet place, an alley or a car park where I can wind down and just think to myself. The ability the think inwardly is paramount as my brain maintains a running commentary whether I'm in company or alone. And if I hear people shouting at the same time it scrambles my brains.

[@amynewey3712]

I had went to London for my 18th b-day, it was loud and busy and overwhelming, of the second day it got too much and I had a meltdown out in public, I just screamed and cried and covered my ears and punched myself. I get burnouts and I just feel tired physically and mentally, I've just come out of a burnout that lasted 3 whole months. Which was horrible

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Amy, firstly I hope you are ok now 👍 Sounds horrible that experience but I think it's important to just remember you are valued ☺️

[@YautjaSpacePirate]

I'm sorry you had to go through that. I used to have meltdowns when thunderstorms would come. But I outgrew them when I hit my teens. I just have shutdowns in loud places.

[@Tazer_Silverscar]

Really hoping I'm not experiencing regression, because I adore my drawing skills, but I have noticed it's getting worse.

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh just to say that I hope you are ok. But also if it is, sometimes skills do come back after a period of time. So it could just be that you're going through a rough patch. Just don't put pressure on yourself 👍

[@DeborahAnnsuperversatile]

Thank you for the information. I just keep pushing myself so much.

[@wildflowersar3595]

I really enjoyed listening to this, during a burnout - the clear, well paced explanations. Thank you 🌼

[@DG-dy4tv]

Thanks for this. I can't put this stuff into presentable form for anyone else, and you get it right on the money.

[@sonicthehedgegod]

ive been in a constant state of regression/burnout pretty much since quarantine started. it definitely started over a combo of the pandemic and watching the political situations unfold (bernie campaign getting nuked, BLM protests, stuff i witnessed DURING those protests from the police), followed by some heavy trauma towards the end of last summer involving a friend/roommate with severe manic psychosis and the suicide of a different friend, and like... definitely helping to realize what’s happening. i’ve definitely felt like i’ve permanently lost a large piece of myself and now struggle with some basic functions. i keep getting it back in bits and pieces but work situations keep pushing me back into shutdowns again and i don’t really have a means to get out because... capitalism is super cool... i’m not as bad as i was in like, september of last year but i’m definitely still in a weird haze. had a bad shutdown at work last week and couldn’t even barely form words or make smalltalk, which is challenging when you’re a caretaker for someone in late-stage dementia. idk. trying to find a way i can bounce back rn, but it’s nice to like start understanding some of what’s happening in relation to my autism. definitely plan to at least bring this up with my bosses, maybe work out getting a vacation or something. i hope. idk if even that’ll be enough to get back to where i once was, but it might help.

[@cathrineklodvik-loddengaar8186]

I have homeschool because of covid and i have been feeling autistic burn out a lot.

[@aspiewithattitude3213]

I had a meltdown yesterday, my bus to my autistic social meeting came 20 minutes late.

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh gosh I'm sorry to hear that. I've also had trouble with buses lately with them being late. Stay strong my dude 👍

[@ReiverBlue1971]

Thank you, lovely and clear description. Good stuff as always ;)

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh thank you Matt!

[@davidgibson4282]

This is a very interesting video and very informative. I often thought that they were separate things but didn't really know much about it. Now I know. Thanks for sharing.

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh thank you so much dude! Yeah to be fair unless you know then it's not always easy to get the difference. Hence why I do videos like this one ☺️👍

[@boxingzorket]

Interesting. And very helpful. Thank you, I always enjoy your videos.

[@IndieAndy]

I'm glad this helped, thank you ☺️

[@virtuworksforeucreative]

Hi 👋🏽 new subbie! My daughter is on the spectrum and she has meltdowns and burnouts. We (parents and teacher) work with her to deal through therapy. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh hello Rhonda! Firstly thank you for subscribing, really appreciate your support. But also it's just important to talk about these things to help others. Hope you and your daughter are well ☺️👍

[@kaleidojess]

I think I have asperges and I realize that I go through cycles. I just want to avoid all responsibility right now.

[@colleend80]

Thank you for this helpful video

[@afterrunrc9935]

I am going for an evaluation soon. I'm 34 and never understood why I have shutdowns where I stare, empty and thoughtless. Happens from work and pressure from a partner pretty often. I have had horrible meltdowns when my wife would keep trying to get me to talk. Recently had a massive meltdown at work after being burnt out for 6 months straight. I walked out of my job yelling and drove like a maniac home then had a panic attack and fell asleep only to wake up for a trip to mental health facility. My wife asked me if I was autistic a year ago. I never understood what autism was until I started researching what may be wrong. I've had many restless nights the past 3 weeks looking into this.

[@geometricheaddress9457]

Thank you for sharing! My 4 year old is on the spectrum and this info is really helpful to give insight.

[@IndieAndy]

Aww that's great to hear thank you so much for watching! Hope you and your 4yo are doing well ☺️👍

[@debbiekruizinga6515]

These videos deserve more views

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

I'm still learning what burnout is for me as it seems unclear right now I just can't focus or do much and I'm crying all the time I don't seem to experience shutdown thankfully Will be glad when it passes and I can be myself again

[@Autismo76]

I have never had a burnout but I have had mild shutdowns

[@gonnfishy2987]

you have just told me about my life perfectly.

[@vickimaroney800]

Thank you. That's a great help

[@IndieAndy]

Aww no problem Vicky! ☺️👍

[@JaneTheMessage]

Omg I am so glad I found out about your channel! I really like this format of first defining terms and getting super clear and specific about what each of these states is like and then following it up with practical tips. It was hugely validating to hear my experience of both shutdowns and burnout broken down so well. I feel seen and it’s kind of wonderful just to be able to relate, even when the subject matter is something that’s been very difficult and troubling. Just realizing I’m not alone reframes my whole experience into a more positive and hopeful context. The one-two-punch of following that up immediately with strategies I can implement to manage and cope is super empowering. I feel a lot better about myself after watching this video. Amazing work, thank you so much and I’m stoked to watch more of your (I’m sure awesome) content!

[@IndieAndy]

Hi there! Thank you so much for commenting, I'm glad you like the format. When it comes to autism, it's good to be informative and clear because there is such misinformation about it to begin with. Aww well I'm happy to see you feel empowered because when you think about it, shutdowns and burnout are very human reactions. But I get why it's a hard thing to talk about so I am glad this has helped.

[@TheSimpleSprinkle]

Hey! Thanks for sharing yourself on Facebook because this is how I found you, hah! I don't have autism, but I met many autistic persons through my school and through a non-profit organisation which I support and where I help out on events. Since then the "topic" autism always caught my interest, so it's cool to see a KZbin Channel about it. :-)

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh that's great! I do love Facebook for sharing stuff 😂 Ooh well I'm glad you found the channel for sure. There are creators like myself who talk about autism quite openly.

[@TheSimpleSprinkle]

@@IndieAndy Really cool, I didn't even know there were content producers like that. Keep doing what you're doing - it's pretty dope! :)

[@IndieAndy]

Aww well I'm happy that you found the channel and hope you enjoy the rest of the stuff ☺️

[@skellybean8659]

Experiencing a shutdown right now. This is my sixth day working in a row. I need to be in my bed.

[@midnightmule2626]

he he ... I know what you meant about pushing ourselves ... I think you are right that masking is a major contributor.

[@nicolykaren]

I'm feeling disconnected from myself I feel confused what it could be ?

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm does it happen often or not? It's hard to say but my friend does talk about disassociation which might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/an7Qip53mMtgbc0

[@ShadowIsMoi]

Haha this is how I'm feeling live and I get this so much... Didn't know it had a word

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah I was really relieved when I finally had the words to describe how I felt etc. Glad this helped you 👍☺️

[@michaelparotte5076]

I don't do eye contact because I feel like people feel threatened when I look em in the eye, guess I'm autistic

[@shortycareface9678]

I'm in a burnout presently. Can't seem to get anything done... as a full-time student, I wonder how I'm going to get through the semester. I have a routine of working out in the morning, but I'm too tired presently. And, well, breaking my routines doesn't exactly help. Can't seem to get started on my papers, some days, I can't even find the energy to make dinner. When I stop working out, my body is even worse at producing hunger signals which leads to me forgetting to eat. Got a lot shorter temperament for the time being; I seem to become aggravated and even aggressive due to minor issues in daily life, especially technology malfunctioning or my items being placed in the wrong spot (by myself, smh) sets me off like crazy. And my sleep pattern is completely on its head. Trying not to take naps during the day, but it's impossible, and it leads to staying awake during the night instead. Going in my for pre-assessment appointment in November. I can only hope that's gonna help me some.

[@Matthew_Rushton]

I've found that my shutdowns are becoming a bit more frequent than normal, especially since I started Uni last year. I find that a lot of the time I can't speak or move for up to a couple of hours in some cases

[@IndieAndy]

Hi hope you are well. Just thinking about you said here, how have you been coping with the lockdowns while doing uni?

[@Matthew_Rushton]

@@IndieAndy In terms of its effect on my life in general it hasn't really changed as I've never really gone out anywhere (I haven't met up with any friends for the best part of 3 years now). As far as Uni goes it is quite the challenge because I was so used to getting up at 6am to get into a lecture for 9am so the fact I don't have to do that now is sort of alien to me

[@jessiedudesert9267]

I had a period in which I was really depressed, I was always crying in my room and I felt like I couldn’t do anything. I don’t know what it was but I feel like it’s coming back. Maybe you have an idea ? What do you think about an increasing of meltdowns, mixing words, a lot of stress, forgetting things that makes you more anxious, ... ? And thank you for your video.

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Jessie! I personally would say that was burnout. But that's just how would see it from an autism perspective, I could be completely wrong! But when I've been on burnout, I've felt more emotional than normal and things just get to me without a cause. Also the other things you've mentioned tie in with burnout also. So I feel that could be burnout but of course I'm no expert/medical professional and it's just from I know of burnout from my perspective. Hope that helps 👍

[@jessiedudesert9267]

IndieAndy Yes thank you !

[@YautjaSpacePirate]

@@jessiedudesert9267 Could it be because of the pandemic? I went through the same thing. I had dreams and aspirations that didn't happen and I had a few panic attacks. The sudden changes triggered my shutdowns and burnouts.

[@chrismcnulty1775]

Just curious is there a difference in Burnout for NT vs ND. I am going through a diagnostic process but still trying to learn more about my behaviors while waiting for appointments

[@trip1994]

I'm too scared to go into work today because of my burnout. I'm a night lead and I haven't fully masked off in front of my co-workers for entire year. Yesterday I walked out after a shutdown and really fucked up because I'm part of management and I just can't do that. Fuck fuck fuck

[@quizarorobzaqu8558]

Nice

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh thank you ☺️

[@camilaleon810]

I am on a burnout since a month:( can stimming a lot be a sign of burnout too ? I feel so tired and hardly can speak, thank you 🌸

[@nononeofit3610]

**Looks at phone to memorise script** "Memory issues...."

[@YautjaSpacePirate]

Is there a way to reverse autism "regression?" Because I don't believe we just lose skills. I believe we just simply lose interest in a skill we have because of multiple reasons like depression. It can be frustrating. I am currently experiencing this. I love to draw, however with all the crazy things happening in America, I feel so depressed I'm slowing down on drawing which is what I love to do and it's frustrating!

[@retro_aqua_]

i think ive gone into burnout im undiagnosed but i (and my counsellor) have suspicions i might be autistic im currently in a rlly stressful mood and ive been looking into this stuff again i started a new job, i have exams next week which i havent been able to revise for, i have a lot of my time taken up by socialising. im very Overwhelmed

[@91october]

When you have a shutdown do you feel like your emotions shutdown completely such as when it comes to people or other situations?

[@katiepaine]

is there something else that is the same as an autistic shutdown? cause i've definitely had shutdowns where i don't talk and totally retreat within myself, can't make any decisions, get annoyed and frustrated when asked questions and will be very short and even rude if pushed to answer or respond....the thing is is that i've never been identified as autistic, but have been diagnosed bipolar, but have recently started learning more about autistic traits and find myself relating to a lot of them. Not sure what to do, or if i need/should to do anything really. i don't know!

[@vasilisablud]

What's the difference between an autistic and regular burnout?

[@graleh]

What's the difference between ME/CFS and Autistic burnout? I am both autistic and have ME. The symptoms seem exactly the same.

[@loukeehl4958]

If after having to go through an overwhelming and exhausting situation I can't function and stay in bed for at least the next two days is it a shutdown or an autistic burn out? I guess that it would be too short to be an autistic burn out but I got my diagnose not so long ago and I'm still trying to label things correctly..

[@IndieAndy]

I would say burnout as to me I would feel burnout for a few days but shutdown last for a short time. But this is just my experience and not a reflection of other people's experiences ☺️

[@FriskXI]

Can someone help me? I think I’m experiencing a burnout, it’s not very severe, but it’s preventing me from doing everything the way I want to be, and in general doing stuff. This is likely related to school stress, but if I “stop” and take a break I will be getting terrible marks and I can’t afford that. What can be done?

[@happyface4720]

Imagine burnouts for 72 hours

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah been there!

[@kyanite1434]

Bro you got pretty eyes

[@philuin9594]

I think I had an autistic shut down during my autism test! Apparently I dont have autism! 🤣 I just indicate autism on every aspie test or aq10 because I have adhd and I'm neuro diverse I flag on the test! I tested this on the adhd community they was not flagging up autism! My gut says its pda! My gut also says my daughter is pda also but they are trying to label her with o.d.d!