When there is low stress and your autistic child is feeling good they are able to access:
• Socialising
• Can participate in hobbies or their passions/interests
• Anxiety is low and controllable
• There is a feeling of contentment and happiness
This can slowly and without much notice escalate. This might look like:
• Anxiety increasing
• Still able to see friends and family
• Resting time is needed
As your autistic child’s worry, workload and anxiety increases you will see more:
• Bouts of dysregulation
• Sensory processing issues
• Not wanting to leave the house
• Fatigue, aches and pains
• Panic attacks
• Feeling blank like their brain isn’t working
• Hard to leave their bed
Full out burnout and extreme stress may be characterised by:
• Skill regression
• Cannot leave the house or cannot work
• Difficulty with appetite
• Hygiene is deteriorating
• Feeling dissociated and alone
Credit: allforthedopamine