So, what is it? I found a good explanation recently which described it as “a debilitating condition that severely impacts functioning which is linked to suicidal ideation and is driven by the stress of masking and living in an unaccommodating neurotypical world”. This sounds extreme however this is exactly how it feels for the person suffering.
Our little girl started a new school last; we were filled with so much hope and reassured that they have “got her” and understand the complexities of autism. Finally, she would be able to lower the anxiety shutters that kept her trapped in an invisible prison and access some form of education forgetting that the stress of a new school wouldn’t be taken in her stride like an NT (neurotypical) person.
She seemed to be doing ok and was her usual cautious self and still wouldn’t disclose much about her days. We allayed our fears and convinced ourselves she need time. She made a friend which we were delighted about and even at playdates.
However, it was short-lived. 5 months into the new school year, at a classmate’s party, we observed that her anxiety levels had escalated and she couldn’t join in. We noticed over the coming weeks that the simple/smallest tasks were overwhelming, and she started to control things more. 2 months down the road, she was having daily panic attacks and begged us not to send her to school.
She would hide in her dark room, hardly eat (except snacks), exhausted and not wanting to use her much loved trampoline or partake in Barbie role play. We were not allowed access to her room, it was a sacred safe place and our attempts to “break and enter” were met with sobs from true heartbreak and even violence.
We had little choice but to listen to her and keep her at home for the rest of the school year. We are happy to report she’s happy enough to jump again but is still allergic to the word school for now…
What causes autistic burnout or autistic fatigue?
· Sensory overload
· Dealing with social situations
· Masking autistic traits
· Suppressing stimming
· A sense of not meeting others peoples/society’s expectations
The National Autistic Society UK has many articles about Autistic Burnout and worth a look at.
https://www.autism.org.uk/search-results?searchTerm=autistic+burnout