Discussion Night: Autistic Burnout

Join us for a discussion night about autistic burnout.

Autistic burnout is a condition which is being recognized more and more among clinicians and autism researchers. It resembles a major depressive episode in its symptoms: exhaustion, social withdrawal, brain fog, and executive disfunction are among them. Other symptoms are also characteristic, including skill loss, difficulty with language, and increased sensory sensitivity. This is liable to last for months.

The cause of autistic burnout, however, is generally said to be masking too hard for too long -- concealing autistic traits and pushing through sensory distress. The only cure seems to be rest.

Tonight we will discuss the various dimensions of autistic burnout. Many of us have experienced this, and many of us are experiencing it now. Research into autistic burnout is in its infancy, so let's share our experiences, searching for commonalities to get some clarity on what it really is.

This event is at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. (The Delian Club is not, however, a religious organization.) Please come in through the doors on William Street, the ones which directly face the opposing side of the street. They are halfway down the church, and they have to the right of them a small light that flashes red and green. Go up the ramp and turn to the right; we are in the Mayflower Room, which is next to the kitchenette.

As with all Delian Club events, this is for autistic adults only.