Pacing for Autistic Adults: How to Avoid the Boom-and-Bust Cycle
If you’ve ever had a burst of energy, done “all the things,” and then crashed for days or weeks, you’re not alone. Many autistic adults know this as the boom-and-bust cycle. It feels good in the moment to get everything done, but the cost is often autistic burnout. Pacing is the antidote. It’s the practice […]
How to Advocate for Burnout Accommodations at Work or School
Autistic burnout doesn’t just affect personal life—it can make functioning in workplaces and schools overwhelming, if not impossible. Unfortunately, many environments don’t yet recognize autistic burnout as valid, leaving people without the accommodations they desperately need. Advocating for support can feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to create environments that reduce stress […]
Shutdowns, Meltdowns, and Burnout: How They Interconnect
For autistic adults, energy and sensory balance are fragile resources. When those resources run out, the result may be a shutdown, a meltdown, or—in the longer term—burnout. These experiences are often misunderstood, mislabeled, or treated as behavioral issues. In reality, they are neurological responses to overwhelming demands. In Embracing Self-Care for Autistic Burnout: Your comprehensive […]
Autistic Burnout vs Depression: How to Tell the Difference
Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally numb can be frightening. For autistic adults, these signs often raise the question: Is this burnout, or am I depressed? While they can overlap, autistic burnout and depression are not the same—and confusing them can delay the right kind of support. In Embracing Self-Care for Autistic Burnout: Your comprehensive resource […]
Why Rest Looks Different for Autistic Adults
When most people think of “rest,” they imagine sleep, lounging on the couch, or a weekend getaway. But for autistic adults—especially those recovering from burnout—rest is far more complex. It’s not just about sleep; it’s about finding recovery in ways that respect sensory needs, energy levels, and authentic comfort. In Embracing Self-Care for Autistic Burnout: […]