Factors that increase the risk of burnout & fatigue

Here, Jane Mantzalas explains some of the risk factors that contribute to autistic burnout.

Autistic people have an increased risk of burnout due to several factors:

• Masking and Camouflaging: Many autistic people engage in “masking” or “camouflaging” behaviours, where they consciously or unconsciously suppress their autistic traits to fit into social situations. This constant effort to ‘fit in’ can be mentally and emotionally draining, leading to burnout over time. 
• Sensory Sensitivities: Autistic people often experience sensory sensitivities, where they are more acutely aware of and reactive to sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces. Dealing with overwhelming sensory inputs in everyday environments can be exhausting and contribute to burnout. 
• Social and Communication Challenges: Autistic people may face difficulties in understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in typical social interactions. Navigating social situations can be demanding and lead to social exhaustion, contributing to burnout. 
• Cognitive Demands: Autistic people may process information differently and have unique cognitive strengths and challenges. Coping with everyday tasks, problem-solving, and processing information in environments not tailored to their needs can be mentally taxing. 
• Emotional Intensity: Autistic people may experience emotions intensely, which can be overwhelming. Managing emotional responses and coping with stress can be draining, contributing to burnout. 
• Challenges with Change and Transitions: Autistic people often prefer routines and predictability. Sudden changes or transitions can be disruptive and cause increased stress, leading to burnout. Research indicates that autistic people may be at higher risk of experiencing burnout at particular stages of change across the lifespan.

• Limited Support and Understanding: Many autistic children and young people may not receive adequate support or understanding from others, including family, peers, or educators. Feeling misunderstood or unsupported can exacerbate burnout. 

• High Expectations and Pressure: Autistic people may face pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which can create a constant sense of needing to “perform” in neurotypical ways. 
• Other Conditions: Many autistic people have other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can add to the burden and risk of burnout. 

It’s essential to recognise the unique challenges that autistic children and young people face and provide them with appropriate support, accommodations, and understanding. Encouraging self-advocacy, respecting their sensory and communication preferences, and creating sensory-friendly and inclusive environments can help reduce the risk of burnout and support their overall well-being.