Autism is known to cause unique symptoms for each individual, and while general burnout can affect anyone, autistic people may find this is a common symptom triggered by a number of other symptoms that lead to feelings of overwhelm, fatigue and stress. 

Here, we are exploring what autism burnout is, how it is different from general burnout experienced by neurotypical people, how to spot it, what might trigger it, its potential impacts on everyday life, some techniques to help manage it, and when it may be time to seek support from a professional. 

At Augmentive, we aim to provide holistic, tailored mental health support to everyone so they can live their life to the fullest, so if you have questions about autism burnout, we can help. 

What is autism?  

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how people interact with others and the world around them, and how they process and respond to sensory information. Autistic people might experience sensory issues that cause negative reactions when they are exposed to certain triggers, and these will be unique to each individual. Some common symptoms of autism in adults include things like: 

• Trouble reading social cues or participating in conversations
• Trouble reading body language or facial expressions 
• Speaking in a robotic or monotone pattern that does not convey true emotions 
• Avoiding eye contact when speaking 
• Performing restrictive and repetitive behaviours 
• Difficulty with interruptions to routine, especially if they are last-minute
• Fixation on one or two favourite subjects, either that they care deeply about or are extremely skilled in 
• Experiencing sensitivity to sensory input like pain, sound or touch 

The symptoms of autism are typically different in women than in men, with women having a higher likelihood of symptoms such as repetitive behaviours and obsessions, sensory sensitivities, social challenges, issues with executive function, mental health challenges (such as higher rates of anxiety), workplace struggles, physical health challenges, and co-occurring conditions.

They are also more likely to engage in masking, which is when an autistic person will hide their traits and behaviours and mimic the behaviours of neurotypical people instead. You can learn more about this in our guide to signs of autism in adult women.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a term regularly used in the context of occupation, but in recent years it has been found to affect other areas of life too. It describes feelings of severe stress, with symptoms such as:

• Fatigue 
• Stomach issues
• Becoming ill more often (reduced immune system) 
• Headaches
• Sleep problems 
• Trouble focusing 
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 
• Feelings of depression or worthlessness
• Suicidal thoughts

What is autism burnout? 

Burnout can affect anyone, but autistic people may find they experience burnout as an after-effect of some of their symptoms. One 2021 study looking at autistic burnout suggested this could be defined as a “highly debilitating condition characterised by exhaustion, withdrawal, executive function problems and generally reduced functioning”. The same study found autistic burnout could also increase the manifestation of a person’s autistic traits, which is what distinguishes this particular type of burnout from more general burnout experienced by neurotypical people. 

"Masking their symptoms to fit into general society and keep up with day to day interactions can put a lot of stress on an autistic person. That cumulative effect of stress can eventually lead to burnout and the feeling of exhaustion from the very conscious effort they put on to trying to blend in and make small talk." - Dr Shakeel Islam, Consultant Psychiatrist

According to the National Autistic Society, autistic burnout is defined as pervasive, long-term exhaustion lasting for 3 months or more, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus. It is thought to be commonly first experienced during puberty, and during times of life transitions such as graduating from an educational institution.

Although not an official diagnosis, recognising and addressing autism burnout is important for both the individual experiencing it and anyone offering them support. Research into autism burnout suggests evidence-based treatments for depression in autistic people could actually make burnout symptoms worse instead of improving them, so it is crucial to recognise exactly what conditions need to be treated before going ahead, to avoid worsening symptoms. 

What are the signs and symptoms of autism burnout?  

Autism burnout could look similar to general burnout experienced by neurotypical people, but additional signs and symptoms could also set it apart. Some of the symptoms you might notice include:

• Fatigue – Autism burnout can lead to very low energy, and in one study, participants said their main symptom was chronic exhaustion.
• Feelings of depression – Studies have linked autism burnout to suicidal ideation, which is an important mental health concern to address.
• Executive function problems – Due to fatigue, autistic people experiencing burnout may find it more difficult to complete basic tasks and maintain their typical level of function. Research discovered those in the throes of autism burnout said they struggled with living independently, and had lower levels of self-belief.

• Withdrawal – Autistic individuals in burnout may start to engage less with loved ones, avoid social gatherings, and stop taking part in activities they once enjoyed.
• Increased autistic behaviours – Perhaps the most notable symptom of autism burnout (and one that sets this type of burnout apart from others) is the increase in autistic traits and behaviours often seen. An autistic person may notice their traits becoming more prominent, and if they are prone to masking these behaviours, this could further exacerbate their autism burnout as it could become more challenging and stressful as they attempt to mask their symptoms. 
• Increased sensory issues – Autism burnout tends to interfere with a person’s ability to self-regulate, and could therefore lead to more prominent sensory sensitivities and more frequent sensory meltdowns.  

What tends to trigger autism burnout?  

Every autistic person will experience their own unique set of triggers that bring on individual symptoms, but when it comes to autism burnout there are a few common triggers. Although autism burnout is typically brought on by a combination of chronic stressors and overwhelming events that exceed an autistic person’s typical coping capacity, one or more of the below triggers could be likely. Understanding what they are and how to avoid them is important. These include: 

• Sensory overload – When an autistic person is faced with high levels of stimuli that typically affect them negatively, this could lead to autism burnout. Everyone will have their own triggers that cause this, but some common sensory issues are excessive noise, bright lights, chaotic environments, heat, or large crowds. 
• Social demands and expectations – Often the usual demands of socialising, such as maintaining conversations, interpreting social cues, and fitting in with societal norms, can be overwhelming for an autistic person, particularly if they are experienced over long periods of time with no rest in between. If an autistic person is prone to masking their traits and behaviours, it can become exhausting to maintain the illusion of a neurotypical person, which can eventually lead to burnout. 
• Overwhelming life changes – Big life changes can bring some level of burnout for anyone, however autistic people may find they are more overwhelmed, anxious and stressed by these experiences due to their reduced ability to regulate their emotions regarding last-minute changes to their routine. Research found autistic burnout was often experienced during big life transitions that challenged their developmental expectations, so large disruptions like this could lead to autistic burnout. 
• Academic or workplace pressures – Anyone can experience stress and burnout from their work situation, however many autistic people experience a lack of adequate support and understanding from peers or colleagues in work, which can further contribute to their autistic burnout. Studies suggest masking could be more common in workplaces than in other areas of life, and is also thought to lead to more severe consequences for the person’s mental health, so addressing academic or workplace pressures could have a significant positive impact on the burnout symptoms experienced by autistic people. 

How can autism burnout impact different areas of life?  

Autism burnout can profoundly impact many different facets of a person's life, including everything from their emotional wellbeing to their social life, and much more. 

Emotionally, autism burnout can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact their ability to manage everyday responsibilities. This can in turn affect their relationships with others, and their relationship with themselves, causing a lack of self-belief, confidence and low self-esteem. They may also begin to withdraw from social interactions, isolate themselves, and unintentionally put strain on their relationships with loved ones. 

Autism burnout can also manifest as various physical health issues, all of which could negatively affect a person’s life. Things like sleep disturbances can impact daily routines and work, while symptoms such as headaches and gastrointestinal issues can lead to poor general health and difficulties maintaining life responsibilities. When daily functioning becomes a challenge due to autism burnout, addressing this with the appropriate support and self-care strategies is crucial for improving overall quality of life.

It is important to mention that autism burnout can hugely affect a person’s experience in the workplace. Overwhelming fatigue and a reduced ability to cope with the typical demands of the workday can lead to stress, which can reduce productivity, increase absences, and negatively impact career progression. This is also thought to be the case in academic institutions for autistic students who might struggle keeping up with coursework, see their grades declining, and experience potential educational setbacks due to autism burnout. 

By improving knowledge of autism burnout and recognising the signs and symptoms of this as early as possible, you can interrupt its trajectory by taking proactive steps to address it before it turns to chronic burnout further down the line. 

How can an autistic person manage burnout?  

Learning to manage your autism burnout will provide you with helpful tools for the future, and this can be done in a number of ways. Here are some helpful tips for managing autism burnout in day-to-day life: 

• Address your sensory overload issues – Every autistic person will experience their own sensory issues with triggers unique to them, and while it may not be possible to completely avoid these triggers every day, you can learn to manage them effectively by limiting your exposure to them. For example, if you feel autism burnout symptoms due to excessive noise during social interactions, you could suggest a calmer environment to meet friends in so you can focus more. 
• Set boundaries to manage social demands – If your autism burnout happens when you have put too many social gatherings in your calendar, you may need to address this by reducing the amount you attend, setting boundaries that enable you to take part in conversations without feeling overwhelmed, and allowing more time between social events so you have adequate time to recharge. 
• Find stress-relieving activities – Autistic people experiencing burnout can consider what activities they might include in their day or week to promote relaxation and bring stress levels down. This could be taking part in a calming hobby, trying mindfulness techniques like breathwork or meditation, or spending more time outside in nature. 
• Recognise and avoid masking – Autism masking is common, and the constant hiding of symptoms can eventually lead to autism burnout. According to studies, by learning to recognise when you are using masking behaviours, you can stop engaging in them by being more open and honest about what you need from social interactions, which can start to reduce the weight and impact of masking in daily life. 
• Get more rest – If you are experiencing physical and mental fatigue from autism burnout, getting adequate rest to recharge your batteries is vital. Try going to bed earlier, taking naps throughout the day, or just allowing yourself time to sit and relax. 
• Focus on a particular interest – Many autistic people have strong interests in specific subjects they enjoy or are very knowledgeable in. By indulging in these interests as a hobby, burnout could start to subside as a result of pulling your focus elsewhere and engaging in an enjoyable activity. 
• Ask for adjustments – If you feel burnout at work, remember workplaces can make certain adjustments to make life easier for neurodivergent people, and you can ask your manager or HR team about changes you think could help. For example, if you feel burnout arising from being in a loud office space, ask to move somewhere quieter or let them know that during certain hours you will be wearing headphones to focus properly on your work. 
• Regain control of your daily life – Sometimes burnout can arise from a feeling of losing control and falling behind on our to-do list, which is especially true for autistic people who often prefer to stick to a routine. If you feel this could be causing your autism burnout, take steps to get back on track with a routine that makes you feel positive and confident.  
• Involve loved ones – The family and friend support system around you can help you to recognise and address symptoms of autistic burnout. If you think you might be experiencing this, speak to someone you trust about how you are feeling. Chat with them about what you both think the underlying issue could be, and what triggers are exacerbating your autistic burnout so they can help you to either avoid these or better manage them going forward. Your loved ones will undoubtedly want to help you, so let them support you, as long as they are not adding to your feelings of overwhelm. 

Consider managing autistic burnout by seeking professional help when you need it. It can be difficult to know when autistic burnout is severe enough that you may require professional support in the form of therapy or counselling for your symptoms. If you have physical symptoms, or are feeling anxious or depressed (particularly if you are experiencing suicidal ideation) because of autistic burnout, then it is incredibly important to reach out to a professional for advice and treatment. Even if your symptoms seem mild, seeking professional support could give you the tools you need to better manage this in future and avoid the situation escalating. 

How can someone get an autism diagnosis?

If these symptoms sound like they could apply to you, and you think you may be autistic, there are options if you are seeking a diagnosis, as well as support if you are diagnosed. 

You can begin by speaking to your GP for advice and an initial conversation about the process of obtaining an autism diagnosis, however, in the UK the wait times for getting an autism assessment can be long, so you may choose to seek a private assessment instead – you can learn more about what to expect from an adult autism assessment here. 

An autism assessment typically means meeting with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, mental health nurses, and/or psychiatrists specialising in autism to take part in an assessment lasting anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. This will involve you being observed to assess behaviour, interactions and responses to certain tasks and activities. 

If you receive an autism diagnosis, a psychiatrist can put together a plan to support you with anything you need to make life easier, including tools to help you better manage autism burnout. This could include things like psychoeducation, therapy, coaching, support groups, or medication, depending on your symptoms and lifestyle. 

At Augmentive, we believe advice and support for autistic people should always be bespoke and tailored to the individual to help with their specific symptoms and traits. If you have a question about autism, we’re here to assist on your journey. Our free 15 minute consultation can guide you to the most relevant specialists to answer your questions and discuss next steps.

Whether you’re feeling off-kilter or want to shake up your routine, our state-of-the-art mental wellbeing platform gives you quick and seamless access to world-class support on your terms, from a private adult autism assessment or AuDHD assessment, to help finding an autism specialist near you to support you on your journey.

DISCLAIMER: The content published by Augmentive is not designed to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition and before starting any diet, exercise, or other health-related programme.