When I was in college, there were days, even full weeks, where I literally couldn’t get myself to leave my apartment or do anything.

And whenever this happened and I was asked by friends to hang out, I vividly remember making up an excuse because I knew telling them the truth would sound ridiculous. 

At the time, I had no idea what I was experiencing… but I remember feeling intense embarrassment and shame about it.

Since discovering I’m autistic, I now know exactly what it was.

It was autistic burnout.

Why “autistic” burnout and not just regular burnout? Because it was all tied to my autistic brain wiring and experiences. 

Here’s what I now understand about autistic burnout. It happens as a result of 3 things…

1. Chronic life stress

2. A mismatch of expectations and abilities, and

3. Lack of adequate supports

It’s considered burnout when it lasts for 3 months or more…

And it looks like…

- Exhaustion

- Loss of function, and

- Reduced tolerance to stimulus

And for me, it is basically being mentally and emotionally paralyzed.

If you’re autistic, have you experienced autistic burnout? If so, I’m curious how it’s shown up for you…

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