Autistic people are particularly vulnerable to burnout and fatigue, especally at work. We've designed this clear guide to using the 'energy accounting' method for preventing burnout and fatigue.

Why do we say 'autistic' burnout and fatigue?

Some autistic people can appear at ease in social situations, so much so that it may be difficult to ‘see’ that they are autistic. This is sometimes referred to as 'high-masking'.

At work, people may feel they need to mask during the day. Once they get home, they may have a meltdown, or be fatigued to the point that they are unable to perform basic self-care.

It is important to understand autistic burnout and fatigue. ‘Autistic fatigue’ and ‘autistic burnout’ are terms that came from autistic people. Fatigue, and then later burnout, can happen to anybody.

Autistic people can be more susceptible to fatigue and burnout due to the pressures of everyday life, finding it difficult to refuse help or demands, having to navigate social situations and sensory overload. Trying to cope with these pressures can lead to exhaustion (autistic fatigue). Over time this can lead to extreme exhaustion or autistic burnout.

If you are supporting an autistic person who is vulnerable to experiencing fatigue or burnout,understanding how to support them to manage their energy levels is essential.

To support an autistic person, you can encourage them to be themselves as much as is comfortable for them. They may not realise that their masking or camouflaging is tiring for them. You can reduce someone’s ‘need’ to mask by creating a welcoming environment where stimming, different communication styles and sensory needs are accepted. By reducing the perceived consequences of being visibly autistic and allowing for difference, you are encouraging people not to mask or to mask less often. This is beneficial for all involved.

Some helpful stratagies for line managers to support autistic employees to prevent burnout and fatigue are shown below;

Some autistic people, and other neurodivergent professionals find the strategy of 'energy accounting' helpful to avoid exhaustion and better predict and conserve energy levels over time. An example of a simple energy accounting timetable is shown below.