How to tell if you are in Autistic Burnout

[@melissadouglas570]

I was diagnosed autistic as an adult, after having children, both on the spectrum, and one with high support needs. Seeing them as my #1 priority/responsibility, in a black and white way I’ve been unaware of how to do self-care when children are, by definition, always needing the care of their parents. (I don’t have a social group for various reasons, at this point, and don’t have one to rely on for help.) Its been years of burn out now, and I don’t know if I’ll ever recover the skills I’ve lost. Now I’m just too tired to even try. They are almost 18, and I hope that will open up some support options for them, because I’ve become pretty useless, other than basic cleaning/feeding/administrative stuff. I’m becoming less capable at the same time as their needs increase. Life is really hard. The Dx came w/depression, anxiety, and PTSD dxs also. Take care of your brains, and make sure you have enough support before creating people who will rely on you, because you’ll never be able to do “parenting” properly without it, and they will suffer along with you.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

I am a mom to two ND teens myself. There is hope and restoration for you my beautiful ND momma. It is slow at first and takes a specific strategy that takes your brain and body into account along with the needs of the ones you love. I'd be happy to share a chat with you and share resources to help. Email me at [e-mail] and we can find a time to visit. I see you!

[@bluebus2381]

Can you be so exhausted that you don't even have the energy for your interests? I feel completely off everyday mentalt emotionally physically. I'm 32 and waiting for to get diagnosed autism. I have adhd diagnosed already. I have been staying home for over a month now doing nothing but rest and short walks but I'm still exhausted and having struggle doing my own dinner as well. I have been depressed before but this is not that.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Yes, most definitely you can be so exhausted even to the point that getting out of bed to brush your teeth is too much.

[@RiverJDell]

Also many of us have comorbid chronic illness that goes undiagnosed or under-diagnosed that can have fatigue as a main feature.

[@yacnu6532]

When I was in burnout, I stopped engaging in my special interest. I noticed part of the reason was it would end up frustrating me even more. The fact your brain is shutting down and you are unable to remember anything or perform as normal, caused more emotional distress. I was also too exhausted to do anything. I also have ADHD so I rarely spend my day in bed and have always had difficult sleeping. However, in burnout, I was physically unable to get out of bed. I had to cancel a lot of appointments because I knew I was unable to meet my obligations. My biggest signs are the brain fog, it felt like my brain was shutting down. I couldn’t even read. I could spend half an hour staring at a page and nothing went in. I had also a massive increase of sensory overload and meltdowns/ shutdowns. The smallest sound could trigger me and send me into a meltdown. I also lost my appetite. Think I just felt I’m too tired to get out of bed, or do anything.

[@Heyu7her3]

Adhd has cycles of burnout

[@Truerealism747]

@@Heyu7her3 do you get pain with it

[@gummidusa1076]

I am very sensitive to people's voices and your voice is so calming. After watching your video, I believe I am going through a burnout episode. Identifying how I'm feeling is very difficult for me, so this video helped me a ton. Thankyou!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

I am so glad this was helpful to you and that my voice was a calming experience. I do hear that pretty often and I appreciate it as I am a sensitive auditory human and knowing this means a lot. Were you able to identify which Warning Signs are showing up most for you right now? Let me know your biggest Warning Sign and I will be happy to send you a resource to help.

[@anonymousinc6330]

Thank you SO much for this. At #3, I knew that I've been in burnout for years, maybe all my life. But trying to tell an ableistic family that insists I make excuses is impossible.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

You are so very welcome. Part of ND Burnout Restoration is communicating what we experience to others. In my upcoming book, How Spicy is your ND Burnout? I share a few key elements that help communicate ND Burnout to those in your life so that you can gain support and help.

[@essentialdeparture9999]

Appreciate the informative video. Sleep and rest are so critical. My most telling sign of my level of burnout is irritability. I feel it is crucial to check in with yourself on a regular basis to gauge where you're at so you don't get too deep into burnout without realizing it.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Oh def irritability is a good one to note. I will also add that to the Warning Signs list. What are some ways you check in with yourself to keep on top of your burnout warning signs?

[@essentialdeparture9999]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout I journal with Daylio. I have a group of “activities” which are actually things I’m feeling. I also have a “mindfulness bell” app set to chime on the hour to remind me to check in with myself throughout each day.

[@hannahmitchell87]

I'm not diagnosed (still researching heavily & piecing it all together) but this description very closely matches mine. (Compared to others where I struggled to differentiate between their version & NT depression) The number of searches & tests I did trying to figure out what was happening to me is insane. Thank you for articulating my scary experience almost perfectly X

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Hannah, I am so glad you found this and that it was helpful to your experience. I know how scary and lonely it can feel to not find someone who gets what's going on with you and to not have the words to express it fully. Welcome to the community and I am so excited you are here. If I can answer any questions or if you need a specific resource feel free to message me here and ask. I am always happy to help. -Carole Jean

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

I love the idea of a community that can understand and relate to me. 💕

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

I am looking forward to seeing you at Celebration Saturday🎉🌞 Don't forget to register to get the zoom link.

[@siyashilla6885]

Some people Develop as stutter as well

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Yes! Excellent sign post.

[@siyashilla6885]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout autistic burnout is a very vulnerable time , many of us are prone to abuse of EVERYKIND , Verbal , physical, sexual as well

[@meechipeachi]

Lovely! I haven't heard a lot of other people talk about the difference between rest and sleep period I tell my friends that we need rest, and most of us rest while we sleep.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Thanks for watching!! So glad that this helped reframe rest and sleep.

[@Nottz4Lyf18]

This video is soooooooo important, it covers so many things that I, some of us and other people dont think about, i really do notice more now or at least am better at noticing when i’m being burnt out, my tolerance of loudness (especially people) is lower, my patience is so much small, and diplomatic kindness dries up quickly, i drop things and bump into things more often, make silly mistakes, more brain fog, and i dont know if its actually mutism but my face feels like its paralyzed and i just dont WANT to talk, i physically can talk but will either tie words up, mumble or just say “yeah” or non-commital words to not seem like im ignoring anyone

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing your burnout experiences with the community. I can totally relate to what you shared about your face feeling paralyzed. I hadn't put words to that experience yet so thank you for that. Welcome to the Mind Your Autistic Brain Community!! I am so excited you are here.

[@Nottz4Lyf18]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout youre welcome, it was my pleasure last week i had a new experience, as i was walking, what i can only describe as a little version of me popped into my head and said something and i was telling it to stop trying to make me laugh it was weird, and then later that day i had an experience which felt like i was a ghost possessing my body, not an out of body experience, more like i didnt feel like my physical responses were working right, every movement was like i was underwater, it was a very strange disassociation have you ever had things like these

[@lobobellaco7264]

I've been feeling super alone for a long time. Thank you for this content.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

You are so welcome and you are not alone. So glad you are here. Do you have a burnout warning sign question I could help you with?

[@RedCloudBeechWaveAhh]

I love your intention and the heart of what you are trying to do.

[@benroberts1844]

Thank you very much for posting this. I am going through a bad burnout cycle, and it’s helped me to hear it.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

You are most welcome!! If you are in need of further resources or are looking for help getting out of spicy burnout, please take a look at my UnVeiling Method here: resources.mindyourautisticbrain.com/products/courses/view/1138618

[@benroberts1844]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout thanks very much! I’ll have a look at this 😊

[@ajmargison]

Absolutely 100% everyone needs to see this who is involved with autistic people

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Thank you for watching Andrew! Please feel free to share.

[@emmawood1232]

This video really helped me realise I'm suffering from burnout thanks 🙂 I have autism and adhd

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Emma I am so glad this was helpful. I have a Burnout to Balance coaching session with Melissa Tacia that will be airing over the weekend. That may be the next step to help you on your restoration journey. ❤️💗

[@chris_troiano]

I notice in autism circles, the term “selective mutism” is used for mutism during burnout or overstimulation, which I believe is a mistake. SM is defined differently, categorized as an anxiety disorder where the mutism appears predictably in certain settings and is definitionally caused by fear. Unlike autism, children frequently grow out of selective mutism. I think you’re right to use a different term.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Thanks for sharing additional insights on "selective mutism." I think the word selective implies that it is a choice and for so many of us the experience of mutism is not a choice. Situational mutism often describes the experience in a way that is more easily perceived and removes the onus assignment of choice.

[@Hello.God2]

can brain fog sometimes be felt "physically?" I've been feeling/experiencing it to a level where I detect it affecting my brain's slowing down, and sometimes can even pinpoint where in my brain it's located. has this ever been described by anyone? I find there are so many differing descriptions of brain fog, its tough to know if what I'm feeling in myself is the same exact thing as what other people are pointing to. For me it happens after I wake up, and some minutes have passed - THEN it settles in. Sometimes energy drinks help. But not always. Actually I may have found some relief in Vitamins A,D,K combined in liquid form. Just hope it lasts!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

I know that I've definitely felt brain fog as part of my physical experience. Not specifically as you've described but I would be willing to bet you are not alone.

[@catmccabe1148]

You're the first person I have heard addressing the issue of (lack of) deep sleep! At 47 years old I've only recently realised I'm probably autistic and very possibly adhd too as my concentration is shocking. I wore a fitbit for around 12 months years ago and I would generally only get 30-45 mins of deep sleep early on in the night and that was it. I have spent the last 10 years or so believing I have CFS but is it in fact autistic burnout? Though I'm sure there may be an overlap? My gp felt it was anxiety based due to ongoing stress, this would explain so much 😩

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Cat I am so glad this was helpful to you. Be sure to check out the coaching session on autistic burnout I did with Melissa Tacia. You may find a few more aha moments. Let me know if I can help you start your Burnout to Thriving journey. Feel free to email me at: [e-mail]

[@shylathiel]

I've had my ears basically shut off before, and brain fog, and the loss balance (even dropping things 9ver and over that I'm drying to carry in my hands, balance has been a big issues, tripping, sliding down stairs several times or even just tipping over. Then I wont be in burn out and have great balance. I've had both sleep extremes, not being able to and also just sleeping forever like 18 hr blocks up a couple hours or even just 20 to 30 mins (basically to eat) sleeping 14 to 18 more hours.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

The way that burnout impacts our balance and even our ability to read text is something that only ND brains seem to experience. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It is very helpful when we can all share what we experience to let each of us know we are not alone.

[@bacchira1251]

How to differ autistic burnout from melt downs? I also feel these things in shut down / meld down. Is it the duration? I am often in a status I call " deeply emptied", where everything is exhausting, but manageable. Like a smartphone having just enough energy left to not switch off. Is this a warning sign for or already an autistic burnout?

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

The way a meltdown or shutdown feels can be very similar to burnout but as you said in a shorter time duration. Meltdowns and shutdowns when they occur frequently can be a sign post and warning that your needs are going consistently unmet and can become chronic which leads to burnout. I hope this is helpful and answers your question. Thank you for watching and being a part of the MYAB Community. Welcome!

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Great video. Thank you for making it!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Glad you liked it! And I hope it was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any burnout questions.

[@MOJORAPSCALLION]

I’m totally overwhelmed by the system constant fight for 12 yrs with UK NHS, DWP (benefit), social care still going on I’m utterly broken I think I have autistic burnout I have ASD & ADHD, diagnosed 2021 I was diagnosed at 48. My coping strategies have disappeared and I’m utterly overwhelmed. This is different to depression!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

It is indeed very different from depression alone. I am so, so sorry you have had such a struggle within the system. I fight every day against this in several countries and actively work to change broken policies. I am so glad you found the channel and you are so very welcome here. You are not alone.

[@MOJORAPSCALLION]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout thank you for your reply and thank you for helping curve positive change. I’m at a loss right now but hoping to find a way forwards.

[@alexiakawa5040]

Honest my favorite toothpaste was a Charcoal Mint, it's a subtle flavor but still feels minty and clean. Plus it's black so it makes me feel all goth and stuff.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

I've looked at a charcoal mint one recently but was a bit hesitant to try it because I didn't know how "spicy" it may be. Thanks for sharing. Now I will give it a try. -Carole Jean

[@largojunkie]

I can't walk heel to toe on a good day. I've got dyspraxia and austism!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

My dyspraxia definitely gets more pronounced when I have been in burnout. Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@tangerinefizz11]

It makes sense that you would have had burn out at the age of 6. You were probably in kindergarten. Entering school can be extremely stressful, because you have to make a lot of adjustments.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

It was actually at the end of first grade for me when it began and then became full blown the middle of second grade. This is something so many are discovering for themselves as well. Thanks for watching Delilah!!

[@jackilove523]

Thank💚you🙏🕯

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

You are most welcome.

[@Sboofie]

thank you!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching. Please let me know if you have any questions.

[@cindyriehm7411]

I too ferl disconnectred in my head toward others. I can speak but not deel connecteed.

[@jadepatrick7644]

I'm gonna sleep a bit better understanding burnout. My job is pitching product to customer and after a heavier burn out, I returned to work and I can feel another burnout coming. I also get very over or under stimulation and I crave hard touch "affection".

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Jade, I am so glad this was helpful to you. Be sure to take a look at The Top 20 Warning Signs You May Be in ND Burnout as that is where we feel it first internally and ways that it can show up vary. The list is very helpful for putting words and descriptions with how it can feel and be experienced.

[@jadepatrick7644]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout I'll do that! I'm head into work and dreading it already! So loud, so crowded, so much talking. I'm looking for something else.

[@dylancuthbert3207]

Wow i just realized I have all of these warning signs of autistic burnout. Ok I need to rethink things and chill because I don't wanna shutdown again 😥😥😭

[@dylancuthbert3207]

Does this mean that I am slowly shutting down and I have decreased functions.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Dylan, if you need some resources for Burnout Restoration or want to ask some questions, feel free to email me at [e-mail] I offer free 30 minute chats.

[@dylancuthbert3207]

Ok I will

[@dylancuthbert3207]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout I've sent you an email I was wondering if you got it

[@gregoryburne5251]

I’m right in the middle of one. Worked my butt off for a few months, doing extremely stressful work that was outside my wheelhouse. Boom!, Executive function down the toilet. ( btw, you mentioned Ex F as I was typing Ex F). My motivation is flat, flat flat.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Hi and I am so sorry to hear you are in the middle of one right now. Those long-term, high intensity jobs where you are really stretching for long periods will do it for sure. What are some things that are helping you restore right now?

[@gregoryburne5251]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout I’m a steel craftsman/sculptor, so creating with my hands is my thing. My special interest, since 11 years old is unicycles, so I have a project that involves finishing my 3rd prototype of a “stationary exercise unicycle” that involves balance-cycling. So my workshop is my safe space and my place to recharge. But even this project has little excitement at the moment. I can only imagine how impossible it would be for me right now, if I worked around other people. I’ve worked alone for nearly 30 years. But this will pass, like it has before. It’s strange that the best I can describe my state of mind is never “depressed”, but rather, - “flat”. (Probably due to Alexithymia). Anyway, thanks for asking.

[@leahlei5776]

I appreciate how much work it took to do this video! Burnout sucks and autistic adults need more autistic community support in this way. One thing I can’t let go of, since I am narcoleptic-and probably also autistic… *deep sleep is not REM sleep*. Other than that, all good points!

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Thank you for watching and taking time to share. I appreciate it!

[@alistairreed3514]

I resonate

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Alistair, what stood out the most to you in this video about burnout?

[@emrsngs]

All of the above...

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Have you gotten a copy of the Top 20 Warning Signs You May Be In Autistic Burnout yet? There are some additional resources on that download. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to know what the next step is to take to begin Restoration.

[@emrsngs]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout I'll check it out. Thank you.

[@freidaemckenna3512]

I want to know about the 7 forms of Rest u mentioned toward the end of this video. Not a multi platform savvy user. Just getting comfortable with KZbin. Is this information available on this site? Is it only available via that other one u said to sign up for?

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Hi McKenna! Welcome to Mind Your Autistic Brain, I am super excited you are here. The 7 forms of rest are part of my excusive Rest is More Than Sleep course on the Autastic Community site. Here is a direct link to make it easier: community.autastic.com/share/j2O3ibmYce6wr7rh?

[@Truerealism747]

Does mcas cause pain without allergies etc I've has bad allergies in years past but not so much now

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Here is a good article that can answer your question and more. Let me know if you need anything else on this. Check out the Hypermobility Happy Hour Podcast for an episode in 2020 with Dr. Afrin on Mast Cell, it is excellent. www.healthline.com/health/mast-cell-activation-syndrome#what-is-it

[@Truerealism747]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout thankyou will take a look

[@Truerealism747]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout thankyou for that it doesn't mention body pain though

[@Hobonewsnetwork]

@1:00 😎🤘

[@avahudson5451]

Thanks for the video! Also for some reason the PDF wasn’t showing up when I clicked on the link.. Has anyone else had this problem?

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Hi Ava! Sorry for the link issue and thanks for letting me know. Here is the link: resources.mindyourautisticbrain.com/burnout

[@soniczforever5470]

I get burnouts from the sun ive severe migraines. Waiting for neuro it's not fatal though normal mri. Trying to get blinds. Right now I can't taste. It was a very long miserable summer

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

I'm so sorry to hear you had such a tough time this summer.

[@soniczforever5470]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout it's OK thank you though. Its years of this. Not fatal it just unpleasant. Should have kept my blinds up. I've faith cause will be found. Parents getting them installed in couple of weeks.

[@cindyriehm7411]

Yes, my skin is getting so senitive. My mom could not take anyone touching her body. I myself scream.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

When I am having a flare up of one of my co-occurring conditions I can have such awful skin sensitivity. It is amazing how painful our skin can be to touch.

[@Truerealism747]

@@BeyondChronicBurnout do you have fybromyalgia symptoms as your co occuring symptoms

[@shanesorensen7878]

What if you have parents who will never understand can you lie.

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

First, I'm so sorry your parents don't understand. Could you be more specific about what you are asking in regard to your question above? I am happy to help but will need more context to understand what you are asking in regard to lying.

[@shanesorensen7878]

What if they don’t believe in the concept how do I educate when I have tried to show the neurodiversity perspective and they have the ABA idea of autism. They are very ableist in my opinion what do I do lie about like a sickness to escape tasks.

[@raven4090]

Lol 12 minutes? More like 4 hours. Or not at all.

[@samanthamansi1184]

I thought it was fibromyalgia maybe burnout now I think about it and yes lose my executive function

[@BeyondChronicBurnout]

Burnout shows up in a variety of different ways based on neurotype, physical disability and co-occurring health conditions and is often misidentified. I had that happen and doctors thought it was "just my POTS" however it is not just one or the other it is how they layer together. I'm so super excited you are here and welcome!!! Fibro is part of your energy system and how you navigate your energy so it does factor in, however it is also important to discover the sustainable and abundant energy that is already yours and how fibro is part of your Energy Mastery. The first step is identifying your Spicy Pepper Burnout Level with my quiz, it will also tell you if you are not in burnout. This first step will help you get the road map to Energy Mastery that aligns with where you are today to make this easier and faster to reach your Thrive Destination. Let me know if you have a question or need a resource along the way, I am here to serve. Welcome to the community! -Carole Jean

[@Hobonewsnetwork]

🍎😎