Signs of Burnout & Fatigue

Signs of Autistic Burnout

Some common signs of autism burnout include: 

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally fragile due to trying to cope with the demands of daily life. 
• Sensory Overload: Feeling overloaded and distressed by sensory stimuli, leading to heightened anxiety or shutdowns. 
• Social Withdrawal: Withdrawing from social interactions and seeking more solitude to conserve energy. 
• Difficulty Coping with Change: Becoming more sensitive to changes in routines or environments, leading to increased stress and anxiety.  
• Decline in Functioning: A noticeable decline in overall functioning and the ability to perform everyday tasks. 
• Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to maintain focus and mental clarity, especially in demanding or overwhelming situations. 
• Reduced Energy Levels: Feeling persistently tired, even after adequate rest and having less physical and mental energy for daily activities and interests. 
• Heightened Irritability: Feeling more easily irritated or overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, social interactions, or cognitive demands.
• Sleep Disturbances: Facing challenges with falling asleep or experiencing disrupted sleep patterns. 

Burnout is more likely to be experienced during stressful times (e.g. periods of change such as transitioning to a new school) in a person’s life.

Impact of change