A meltdown or burnout can look different for everyone with autism. However, there are some common symptoms. A meltdown often feels like built-up energy that needs to come out. This energy often feels like negative energy. A meltdown can build up as a result of different experiences or sensory stimuli. Some people need to cry during a meltdown, while others may experience an urge to move around. It can also help people to make noises or even scream. This is a form of stimming that can help someone calm down again during a meltdown.

Meltdown

Sometimes a meltdown can become so intense that a person starts hurting themselves. This is called self-injury. This could involve hitting themselves or perhaps banging their head against a wall. It is important to remain calm and ask for help. These situations can be very difficult, but sometimes you need to protect someone from hurting themselves. It is important to find and learn a different way of coping. Of course, this is easier said than done. It takes a lot of time, but it can also give you a lot in return. After a meltdown, it is a good idea to take some time to recover and stay in a low-stimulation environment for a while.

burnout 

An autistic burnout feels similar to the burnout that most people are familiar with. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted, you can no longer keep up with your own thoughts, and talking feels like too much. A burnout is the body’s way of literally putting on the brakes. Your body and brain no longer give you a choice. You have pushed yourself too far, and now you need rest.

Unfortunately, in today’s society, it can be very difficult for someone with autism to actually take that rest. We have so many things we are expected to do: you have to work, you have to make phone calls to arrange appointments, you have to go to those appointments, and on top of that, people expect you to maintain a social life. This can quickly become too much for someone with autism, which is something I still struggle with quite often myself

Personal experience 

I work 32 hours a week, I have a household to keep up with, my friends and family would also like some attention from me, and then I still have to call somewhere to make a dentist appointment and actually go there. Unfortunately, this means that I regularly end up in burnout.

What often helps me is making myself the priority and taking things slowly. Lying in bed with my stuffed animals, putting on a comfort show (something predictable and familiar), making sure the room is at the right temperature, having a nice soft blanket and keeping the curtains closed.Luckily, my partner and I have good communication, and he knows exactly what to do when I am experiencing burnout. And that is: leave me alone. Every now and then, he comes into the room to check if I need anything, but that’s about it. Luckily, I often start feeling better fairly quickly because of this, and eventually I can face the world again.It is not a given that the people around you will know how to deal with burnout. It is important that your loved ones learn what it feels like and understand what is expected of them in those moments. So, make sure you communicate openly about what you need.

If you have any tips of your own on how to deal with a meltdown or burnout, send them to me or leave a comment. Ending up in a burnout or meltdown will always be difficult, but once you have found what works for you, you can learn to handle even those difficult moments.

I believe in you!

Lots of love,

Marissa