Autistic Meltdown vs Autistic Burnout - The Different Causes & Strategies

Hi! I'm Orion Kelly and I'm Autistic. On this video I explore the differences between #autistic burnout and Autistic meltdowns. Plus, I share my key strategies to avoid both from my lived experiences as an #actuallyautistic person. #orionkelly #autism #autismsigns #whatautismfeelslike #asd
⏱ Index:
00:00 - Meltdowns vs burnout
01:12 - Definitions
02:45 - Causes
08:08 - How they feel
14:56 - Strategies for avoid both
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ABOUT ORION:
Orion Kelly is an #ActuallyAutistic vlogger (KZbinr), podcaster, radio host, actor, keynote speaker and Autistic advocate based in Australia. Orion is all about helping you increase your understanding, acceptance and appreciation of Autistic people.
#AutisticVoices #ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #Autism #OrionKelly #ThatAutisticGuy #ASD
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⛔️*Disclaimer: The videos contained on this channel are for general education and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. For professional advice and training seek assistance from a qualified provider. All views are my own and do not represent those of my employers or sponsors. Some images used are stock images.*⛔️
Related: autism, autism diagnosis, Orion Kelly, orionkelly, thatautisticguy, tiktok videos, autistic, autism in adults, autism in women, autism in men, autism spectrum condition, asd, autism spectrum disorder, aspergers, aspergers syndrome, autism in boys, autism in girls, dsm, dsm5, autistic adults, autistic kids, autism mom, autism parent, autism family, autism speaks, autism awareness, autism acceptance, autism at work, am I autistic, adult autism test, autism disclosure, autism therapy, autism prevention, autism meltdown, autistic burnout, autistic behavior, autism symptoms, autism traits, autistic signs, what autism feels like, love on the spectrum, stimming, echolalia, anxiety

[@coal.sparks]

As a woman, I've learned to value the safety of the bathroom. You lock the door and are alone to unmask and make weird faces or shake or cry or whatever. Burnout for me is just "I can't." I can't discuss, I can't engage, I can't cope, I can't deal with that one more thing or the sad commercial on TV or the fact that the battery in my electric toothbrush is dead. And if some well-meaning soul should recommend I go for a walk to help with my stress levels? Well, let's just say that I won't take it well!

[@Wing_It_Wildflower]

Thank you for this

[@andrealipnicki7057]

I second that! I never thought I would read or see another person that see someone who so very mirrors me & my soul- especially the past couple of weeks as I'm existing as the carer for 3 adults (husband, mom, son). I melted yesterday exactly! Thank you for your willingness to ve honest & ability to write us so very well!! ❤😅

[@x3SayuriChan]

Oh yes I can relate so well to that. Even before I got my diagnosis as an adult I always used to retreat to the bathroom whenever I got overwhelmed even when I was a child. In fact I usually spent every break at school on the toilet. Not because I had any gut issues (well sometimes that as well) but because nobody could see me in the toilet cabin and I could just drop the mask and "rest" for a little bit there. I used to be really ashamed of that (I mean who wants to spend their entire breaks on smelly public toilets?) but now that I've been diagnosed as an adult I can look back to those experiences and understand why of course I was doing that to cope with the stress as an undiagnosed child.

[@princesspikachu3915]

There is something refreshing about melting down in the bathroom. Especially when I’m at home. I have my tearful meltdown and then I hop in the bath/shower and I usually feel refreshed afterwards. If I’m burnt out though I have to be MADE by my husband to go take a bath to calm down because if I’m at the point of burn out I’m not really in the headspace to self soothe. I get stuck in “the mood” and have to be yoinked out of it. And only certain people are allowed to yoink me.

[@towardshidayat]

I feel the lights are always too bright.

[@amberjean8408]

I find it so difficult to tell the difference between depressed and burnt out. However what you described deffinately is how I've been feeling (burnt out). It just feels like such a massive effort to do even fun things.

[@orionkelly]

I know that feeling. Just be kind to yourself.

[@cory99998]

When burnt on it feels like I'll never come out of it. And like you said, lost all of my skills and passions. Inability to perform in all aspects of life and no sight of a horizon where things are fun again.

[@jelliemish]

This reminded me in a big way that I am actually still in an autistic burnout and am demanding too much of myself. Thanks, your videos are very helpful!

[@chrishopkins6406]

I came across these videos a week ago. I've hardly slept since. My neice was diagnosed autistic 2 years ago and I didn't believe it because I thought all the things she was going through was normal. Now I'm recalling my childhood and looking at all my behaviours as an adult and I realise that nonverbal autism isn't all autism as I thought when I was younger. I feel like I've missed a huge part of my life.

[@DanniBby]

What were the things she was doing that you thought was normal? Specifically? Asking to see if I notice any signs in my son

[@janiethecraftprincess]

Thank you so much for this! I am 65 years old and was diagnosed about 8 years ago (along with my son and granddaughter), and I am still learning about myself. A disaster has happened in my life recently.....roof blew off my house, ceiling fell in, etc....and changed my life and took away my routines and I'm living in a travel trailer and fighting with the insurance company. Autistic meltdown and burnout big time. I tried explaining this to someone yesterday and just couldn't. I'm so glad I found your video and sent the link to this person so that YOU can explain it to them. I can't thank you enough. (new subbie)

[@whitneymason406]

Thanks for breaking this down and detangling it. I know I go through meltdowns, shutdowns and burnouts but I always get mixed up. Great resource!

[@trippy_trippiedonig9480]

My KZbin channel name can help u out with shrooms,LSD,dmt, and other psychedelic stuffs which helps with depresssion and anxiety even autism

[@rabbadidi7385]

I live on my own and meltdowns cause self harm. I'm trying to see the red flags but they're hard to see

[@jimmyh3108]

Omg 😱 you have just described exactly what I've been going through.i thought it was just add, I've spent 4 day's in a psych ward that I put myself in..and still noone can help me..

[@garyneilson3075]

"hold fast"! (1Thessalonians 5 :21)

[@jimmyh3108]

Spot on 👍💯🙏yes cave man..run down..cant do anything..some gut issues..forget all your skills.. confusion.. useless..paceing.. misplacing things..dont care about eating.. overwhelming..just want to be alone in a dark quiet room..or outside at night when everything is quiet...self medicating with substance's like alcohol,cigarettes anthing to numb your senses until you pass out just so you could sleep..its really hard..

[@0206ashley]

This has been a huge lightbulb for me. My youngest and I are learning about our autism together, and so many of these specific things we’ve both done have context now. I’m tearing up watching -Thank you!

[@winternightmarecrochet]

Ahhhh that is so true. I feel like I don't remember and can't use any of my art history knowledge anymore. I just seem to completely have lost it 😵. For context, I've been experiencing a very long burn out, that I feel like has developped in severe depression, for 5 years, more or less. This is a very good video and I appreciate it so much 🖤

[@kinnymane8593]

You’re not alone

[@lumenascent]

Here with you too

[@lisaweinmeyer5782]

Sometimes, videos resonate with me, other times with my son.(26) This video helped me to understand, that he is communicating the only way he can when he grunts or sighs. He is not being rude, that is all he can muster, at the time.

[@jodiecatlin3790]

I regularly do half sentences because I forget. It can be embarrassing.

[@sedayerli9774]

My husband was diagnosed with autism a few years ago. A difficult situation. But we've worked hard and are working on it. As someone who has lived closely with each and every one of what you have said, I think you have touched upon the correct points. Thank you very much for your sharing.

[@kdcraft89]

For me, autistic burnout=hitting a wall. I think it's a protective mechanism in some way. Everything just stops and this prevents further harm. I'm not saying that will necessarily prevent harm, but in some primitive part of the brain, it seems like that.

[@dellseasandoval8187]

When I meltdown or burn out I don’t sleep much.

[@camerafishingcountry6903]

Wow! I didn't even connect my gut issues with burnout but hearing that was like an omg moment. Thanks for these videos- I'm learning a lot and feeling better about things.

[@Omneyvdwatering]

I have learned to be okay with having a meltdown. It's a part of me. I had 6 burn outs so far, some really bad, some just standard bad. My double whammy unfortunately is that I have a narcissist mother who had very toxic opinions about my behaviour and life. She would shame me and call me lazy. I'm doing a lot better now that I know this. I also went no contact with my parents.

[@kathiarledge9275]

Thankyou. I see that the sudden surprising rants that my daughter (age 49) aims at me are autistic meltdowns. Several times a week. All I can do is to give her a glare,be silent and leave the room. It is making me sick. No conversation is safe.

[@elizabethwales4088]

Thanks Orion. It means the world to me to hear another Autistic person describe things that I have experienced my entire 60 years of life and never understood. Love your work ❤

[@barrielynn8959]

This is the best description of these things I have found. Thank you.

[@jennifergauthier3282]

I feel like I've been in and out of autistic burnout for years - since having my children especially. And yes, the changes of routine - especially during this never ending pandemic - have triggered both burnout and meltdowns galore. Interestingly, I find it a little easier to identify what triggers meltdowns, but harder to pin point an encroaching burnout... As usual, you give us lots of food for thought 💗 I never thought of increased anxiety being a lead up to burnout!

[@trippy_trippiedonig9480]

My KZbin channel name can help u out with shrooms,LSD,dmt, and other psychedelic stuffs which helps with depresssion and and anxiety, even autism

[@martinhughes007]

Jennifer, I also don’t see the meltdowns and burnout coming, it happens so suddenly but I’m grateful to my wife because she can’t see it coming and let’s me know I need you out the brakes on. Having children definitely adds to the load especially when they’re also autistic 😩

[@enitalp]

Autistic Burnout, you just described my last 2 years, And I was never diagnosed as Autistic; time to act, I guess.

[@anjachan]

because of burnout I had to cancel some things ... good thing they are not urgent ...

[@martinhughes007]

So helpful as always Orion! Thank you for making such good content. My whole family is benefiting - we do appreciate you.

[@trippy_trippiedonig9480]

My KZbin channel name can help u out with shrooms,LSD,dmt, and other psychedelic stuffs which helps with depresssion and anxiety

[@XeaRae]

Thank you for helping me undarstand my experience better!

[@BWV88]

I've lossed track of how many of your videos I've seen so far. . They're all very helpful and I consider your delivery method and style of the information to be perfect. . As difficult as it has been to focus and retain information my entire life, the way you speak and present the information is easy for me to understand and remember. . Thank you for being yourself and doing what you do.

[@Ionic457]

This channel and your ability to communicate your ideas are amazing! You do it in a way that helps those watching/listening even for us normies...Your incredible and hope you know how appreciated you are to so many people around the world! Thank you!

[@thesimplyspoiled1]

Thank you for your videos. I would very much like to understand autism more.

[@glendamcdaniel9894]

I feel sad for my next door neighbor. Her son is around 19-20. I would say he is at the worst end of the spectrum. I have never heard him speak a word, his vocabulary consists of loud grunts and screams. He has destroyed the inside of the house by pounding on walls and busting out windows. His outbursts are all different hours day and night that my husband and I hear. One day he went out the front door with no clothing below the waist. If it wasn't for the mailman stopping him, no telling what would have happened. One day I went to my driveway and didn't realize my neighbor was sitting in her car. She told me she didn't want to go into her house. I feel so bad for her, especially since her son is now older and stronger. I pray for her and her son. Her mother is deceased and her father is in a care center. I don't if she has any siblings or friends. She has an older son and her husband works, so most of the care falls on her.

[@lyndah9185]

Ive only recently stumbled across your videos and even though to-date I have different diagnoses Autism not being one of them.... I connect connect and connect with what you say. This video has explained why i am as I am ... Why I so often totally burn out 😔😔😔

[@DryadsBounty]

Great discussion, Orion! Would appreciate it if my work place/coworkers would watch this wth a key to understanding me and how I experience my working conditions.

[@sueannevangalen5186]

I was just thinking last week, "I don't think I've ever experienced autistic burnout" but then a few days later, I was like, "Remember when you were training to be a dance instructor and suddenly one day, you couldn't go back to the studio -- you could hardly even get out of bed -- and the entire job fell through?" And there were two other examples like that, and then I thought, '"Oh, wait, yes I have." I'm still busy trying to reframe my entire life in terms of autism. It's funny how it's hard to match the term to the experience sometimes. I don't know yet if I get more autistic as a warning sign of meltdown or burnout. I will watch for it. Great video.

[@trippy_trippiedonig9480]

My KZbin channel name can help u out with shrooms,LSD,dmt, and other psychedelic stuffs which helps with depresssion and anxiety even autism

[@joybird144]

You going over this is so helpful and i truly appreciate you

[@orionkelly]

Thanks Joy. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@rogerbradbury9713]

Aaaaand... I'm burnt out; what you said applies to me right now. As it happens, since yesterday I've just been doing the stuff I want to do, and leaving alone the stuff I don't. I think the whole week is going to be like this; we shall see. Thank you, Orion.

[@elizabethbazanavila2914]

I need guidance. My husband is an undiagnosed autistic male. His meltdowns and temper have been so difficult for our marriage. I feel stuck and don't know what to do.

[@theLORDGod_G450]

Its helpings. I am learning. Thank you

[@susanbeever5708]

Interesting, I never thought about this so thoroughly. Have you heard about research of Lactobacillus Reuteri strain 6475 in autistic people to help with social difficulty? L. Reuteri 6475 is a bacteria with amazing qualities. I just started it yesterday by making it in a homemade “yogurt”. Dr. Dave, a cardiologist is the “wheat belly” guy has videos about this. There’s a research paper online about the research too.

[@kinnymane8593]

Can you tell me more, I’m very interested

[@HurricanePixie7]

Brilliant video, as always! Thank you for all you do. Really, thank you so much!

[@markdeffebach8112]

The gut controls the brain/body as much as brain/thoughts/feelings control the gut/throat/etc.

[@ShowMe896]

I feel seen!

[@drlarrymitchell]

Shit...I'm still walking off one from three months ago.

[@jesusfollower5588]

Great video! Explains a lot about myself

[@davidgarciacooke337]

Thanks for that mate. I am 48 and have just been diagnosed autistic last week. I have never had a clue I am autistic. I don't find myself any different than the rest and in my opinion I don't have any of the external sympoms. But I live with anxiety and every so often I come down with a "depression". Could these be Meltdowns instead of depression? I have noticed they happen when I have a change in my routine especially if I cannot train. When I can't do my exercise I slowly come down until I hit the floor. I could be because I go on holiday or an inconvenience in life such as falking of my bike or a broken boiler at home. Once I am down it takes months for me to get back to my normal self. I feel anxious and only want to eat compulsively and be alone laying on the sofa. Then I will slowly get my thing together, start training again, and back to my routine. Until the next one. This happens at least a couple of times a year if not more, say 3-4-5 times. And I just cannot do anything about it but let the days and the weeks go by.

[@amandamandamands]

I was only diagnosed last year. I know that I have had burnouts before, it was like I was having an episode of major depression except it was medication resistant. Interesting that you say knowing the signs. I would know that I was going into meltdowns easily and that I had a small tolerance for anything and everything and at the time I was working so couldn't just hibernate. It is only in the last couple of years though that I have learned how to recognise if I am feeling anxious/overwhelmed (something clicked one day and I started noticing a feeling in my chest) so before that there weren't any signs before the full on meltdown. This is to the extent that these days everyone agrees that I have issues with anxiety but when I got my previous diagnoses I didn't get anxiety as one of them, I guess I didn't say the 'right' things when I was being assessed even though I have seen infographics on other ways that anxiety presents and I can tick off every one of them.

[@orionkelly]

💯

[@laurelb4193]

Wow so informative thank you! 🤩

[@jolienwillowtree2248]

I am so thankful for your youtube channel.

[@donnanewby3386]

Very clear and helpful explanations - thank you

[@gaiagoddess5360]

This explained a lot and helped clarify things for me. Plus, the Australian accent gets me every time, lol Subscribed!

[@lifecraftgacha]

I guess this is my problem. I have basically 24/7 autistic burnout. What do I do????!!!

[@colleenmcbride3656]

I'm undiagnosed/possibly misdiagnosed with BPD, anxiety, cptsd, and bipolar. Is it possible for someone to go in and out of autistic meltdowns and burnouts since childhood? I remember (now very clear) signs of autism that weren't caught due to being in the foster system. I've gone through therapy and therapy has helped me learn how to mask, though I just called it coping, but I thought it was normal to have to "cope" with the sun, or to go to the mall to watch the way people interacted with their groups of people, thinking it felt so foreign to me. Never having a group of friends, never having a friend for more than a year or two. I tried to be the nicest person ever so someone would like me, but that only got me taken advantage of. I'm going to ask my current psychiatrist about getting an evaluation as soon as I can.

[@user-ye1go6hw9r]

OhmygoshYES! Im not a doc, but im pretty sure the requirements are that the behaviors HAVE to be present since childhood. For sure they were for me, many life-ending attempts during burnout (i didn't know thats what it was) i now know what im dealing with and can better avoid/prevent a life that leads to predictably regular/cyclical life-altering burnouts. If you look at my resume, its like every 3 years that i bottom out.... until i self-diagnosed autism - what a life changer!!!! I am sending sooo much empathy your way, i hope this next phase of your journey gets you on to a road that leads to peace and stability. Be well :::firm hug coming your way:::

[@JoytoWorld]

👍👍

[@drlarrymitchell]

I'm gonna go get the papers, get the papers...

[@jureila]

A dumb question... Can burnout last for years? Sorry for asking.

[@orionkelly]

Great question. Not something I can adequately answer though. It’s different for everyone.

[@jureila]

@@orionkelly Okay, sorry for asking... I was diagnosed a long time ago, but still don't really understand much, and it is my first time hearing of burnouts, but it sounds so familiar... Sorry if I don't make much sense, and thank you for answering^^

[@j.rolfsted]

I am diagnosed (ASD, ADD) late in my life at 56, and now the Psychiatrists have added "Neurasthenia", because I continue to "not function". Just waking up in the morning can cause a meltdown, so as it is right now, it is a continous burnout for me, that has lasted since late 2018. I guess that the neurasthenia diagnose is covering some sort of permanent burnout for me?

[@jureila]

@@j.rolfsted I have never heard of that before. Thanks for answering me.

[@j.rolfsted]

@@jureila you are welcome. I somt know if it is correct, but thats the way I try to understand it. Neurasthenia, is "translated" to cronic burnout in Denmark ( where I´m from)

[@dellseasandoval8187]

Hi Orion do you ever respond to any of your subscribers. I press the subscribe button but I can’t see how many subscribers you have so maybe there are too many. You may not have time to respond to any comments or questions. severe insomnia is the result of my burnouts or the other one you said.

[@orionkelly]

Hey I can confirm I never respond to comments. Oh wait 😀

[@user-gg4db3km4q]

100th comment

[@jeremyu8011]

Splendid😍!!! Become a YT god - Promo-SM!!!

[@LupusMechanicus]

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE