Treating cognitive inflexibility — for example, by practicing problem-solving — might help ease anxiety and depression in autistic people.
Learn about how and when your teen should provide disclosure about their autism with employers, activities outside of school and more.
Background: A population segment of autistic adults are underidentified due, in part, to historic changes in criteria for diagnosing autism and diagnostic biases related to gender, socioeconomic status, and other individual characteristics such as intellectual functioning. Some of these individuals, described as the “lost generation,” may choose to self-diagnose. Although little is known about this population, it is possible that they share similar self-conceptualizations or internalized stigma as their diagnosed counterparts. This study reports on the structural validity of the Autism Spectrum Identity Scale (ASIS) with individuals diagnosed and self-diagnosed with autism and compares the demographic characteristics, stigma, self-concept, and quality of life of these two groups. Methods: Over 1000 adults diagnosed (n = 893) or self-diagnosed (n = 245) with autism were recruited through organizations serving the autism community to participate in a nationally distributed online survey that included demographic questions and measures for stigma, self-concept, quality of life, and well-being. The diagnosed data set was randomly split with exploratory factor analysis performed on a training data set. Split-half cross-validation was used to predict the factor structure of the holdout data set. Then, the full diagnosed data set structure was used to determine the generalizability of the factor structure to the self-diagnosed data set. The diagnosed and self-diagnosed were also compared for differences in gender, age, employment status, diagnostic term preference, and factors of self-concept (autism identity and self-esteem), stigma, and quality of life. Results: Factor analysis of diagnosed participants yielded a four-factor structure, consistent with previous research, with strong split-sample cross-validation and good internal consistency. Factor predictions of the self-diagnosed data set from the diagnosed data set ranged from 0.97 to 1.00 with similar internal consistency. Self-diagnosed participants were more likely to be older, women, or employed and less likely to be students or prefer the term “autism” than those with an autism diagnosis. The groups were remarkably similar in reported stigma, self-esteem, quality of life, and in ASIS factors; both groups reported lower quality of life than the general population. Conclusions: The ASIS demonstrated the same internal structure with both the diagnosed and self-diagnosed samples. The profile of self-diagnosed participants matches the profile hypothesized for the “lost generation” and others at risk of being underidentified for autism. Both populations appear to be similarly struggling with employment, stigma, and quality of life. Future research should examine whether self-diagnosed individuals meet criteria for autism or could benefit from interventions, programs, or services serving autism communities.
Autism vs Asperger's syndrome: Are they the the same? One term isn't used anymore, but you probably wouldn't know this by all the references.
Autism schools or ones with special programs or extra support may open the door for attending college with autism after high school. Learn more.
Symptoms of the condition vary from person to person, but there are a few feelings and habits to note.
Background: Although autistic adults often discuss experiencing “autistic burnout” and attribute serious negative outcomes to it, the concept is almost completely absent from the academic and clinical literature. Methods: We used a community-based participatory research approach to conduct a thematic analysis of 19 interviews and 19 public Internet sources to understand and characterize autistic burnout. Interview participants were autistic adults who identified as having been professionally diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition. We conducted a thematic analysis, using a hybrid inductive–deductive approach, at semantic and latent levels, through a critical paradigm. We addressed trustworthiness through multiple coders, peer debriefing, and examination of contradictions. Results: Autistic adults described the primary characteristics of autistic burnout as chronic exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to stimulus. They described burnout as happening because of life stressors that added to the cumulative load they experienced, and barriers to support that created an inability to obtain relief from the load. These pressures caused expectations to outweigh abilities resulting in autistic burnout. Autistic adults described negative impacts on their health, capacity for independent living, and quality of life, including suicidal behavior. They also discussed a lack of empathy from neurotypical people and described acceptance and social support, time off/reduced expectations, and doing things in an autistic way/unmasking as associated in their experiences with recovery from autistic burnout. Conclusions: Autistic burnout appears to be a phenomenon distinct from occupational burnout or clinical depression. Better understanding autistic burnout could lead to ways to recognize, relieve, or prevent it, including highlighting the potential dangers of teaching autistic people to mask or camouflage their autistic traits, and including burnout education in suicide prevention programs. These findings highlight the need to reduce discrimination and stigma related to autism and disability. Lay summary Why was this study done? Autistic burnout is talked about a lot by autistic people but has not been formally addressed by researchers. It is an important issue for the autistic community because it is described as leading to distress; loss of work, school, health, and quality of life; and even suicidal behavior. What was the purpose of this study? This study aimed to characterize autistic burnout, understand what it is like, what people think causes it, and what helps people recover from or prevent it. It is a first step in starting to understand autistic burnout well enough to address it. What did the researchers do? Our research group—the Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education—used a community-based participatory research approach with the autistic community in all stages of the study. We analyzed 9 interviews from our study on employment, 10 interviews about autistic burnout, and 19 public Internet sources (five in-depth). We recruited in the United States by publicizing on social media, by word of mouth, and through community connections. When analyzing interviews, we took what people said at face value and in deeper social context, and looked for strong themes across data. What were the results of the study? The primary characteristics of autistic burnout were chronic exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to stimulus. Participants described burnout as happening because of life stressors that added to the cumulative load they experienced, and barriers to support that created an inability to obtain relief from the load. These pressures caused expectations to outweigh abilities resulting in autistic burnout. From this we created a definition: Autistic burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports. It is characterized by pervasive, long-term (typically 3+ months) exhaustion, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus. Participants described negative impacts on their lives, including health, capacity for independent living, and quality of life, including suicidal behavior. They also discussed a lack of empathy from neurotypical people. People had ideas for recovering from autistic burnout including acceptance and social support, time off/reduced expectations, and doing things in an autistic way/unmasking. How do these findings add to what was already known? We now have data that autistic burnout refers to a clear set of characteristics, and is different from workplace burnout and clinical depression. We have the start of a model for why autistic burnout might happen. We know that people have been able to recover from autistic burnout and have some insights into how. What are the potential weaknesses in the study? This was a small exploratory study with a convenience sample. Although we were able to bring in some diversity by using three data sources, future work would benefit from interviewing a wider range of participants, especially those who are not white, have higher support needs, and have either very high or very low educational attainment. More research is needed to understand how to measure, prevent, and treat autistic burnout. How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future? These findings validate the experience of autistic adults. Understanding autistic burnout could lead to ways to help relieve it or prevent it. The findings may help therapists and other practitioners recognize autistic burnout, and the potential dangers of teaching autistic people to mask autistic traits. Suicide prevention programs should consider the potential role of burnout. These findings highlight the need to reduce discrimination and stigma around autism and disability.
The Breakaway is a must have resource for any parent or provider looking for a concrete and realistic approach for guiding their neurodiverse teen into young adulthood.
Dr. Mai Pham left a corporate career to spark change in a system that is failing millions of Americans with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
My heart fell when a counselor called to say he was worried something bad might have happened to Nat, my severely autistic 25-year-old son. Nat has trouble talking, and was teary. What should I do?
Autism FAQs answers 6 commonly asked questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder, including diagnosis, traits, treatments, and more.
As a teacher, preparing students with Autism for adulthood is hard. Everyone's ‘adulthood’ looks different. Here are some tips to successfully prepare kids!
Strategies and support to help teens and young adults as well as their families during key stages in life such as puberty, transitioning after high school, training, community living, independent living, housing, etc.
Story at a glance Researchers found that more than 9 percent of Americans 12 and older experienced a major depressive episode in 2020. Depression, which is the most common mental disorder in the nation, was most prevalent among young adults ages 18 to 25 at more than 17 percent. Less than 17 percent of adolescents…
Are you an adult and do you think you might have autism? Let's talk about the missed signs of autism in adults and what to look for.
New research in mice indicates the window for autism recovery may be quite lengthy, extending from infancy well into adulthood.
As a teacher, preparing students with Autism for adulthood is hard. Everyone's ‘adulthood’ looks different. Here are some tips to successfully prepare kids!
Caring for autistic adults is the next stage in having a child with autism. Read these tips that will help you prepare for the autism transition to adulthood.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to find the best resources for Autism? This is a massive list of FREE resources to help you feel less overwhelmed...
Self-advocacy as an autistic adult is so much more than just getting accommodations at work. It affects tons of little everyday interactions.
Receiving a late diagnosis of autism in adulthood can be a relief. For high-functioning individuals, it’s not uncommon to receive a diagnosis later in life.
Strategies and support to help teens and young adults as well as their families during key stages in life such as puberty, transitioning after high school, training, community living, independent living, housing, etc.
Story at a glance Researchers found that more than 9 percent of Americans 12 and older experienced a major depressive episode in 2020. Depression, which is the most common mental disorder in the nation, was most prevalent among young adults ages 18 to 25 at more than 17 percent. Less than 17 percent of adolescents…
Are you an adult and do you think you might have autism? Let's talk about the missed signs of autism in adults and what to look for.
New research in mice indicates the window for autism recovery may be quite lengthy, extending from infancy well into adulthood.
My adult sons are among those with autism who cannot care for or live by themselves. A crisis is not just looming for these families; it’s already here.
Most of us would agree there are many benefits to employment beyond the monetary rewards, such as gaining a sense of identity and purpose and feeling like a contributing member to society.
As a teacher, preparing students with Autism for adulthood is hard. Everyone's ‘adulthood’ looks different. Here are some tips to successfully prepare kids!
Parents of autistic teens often fight with their kids over hygiene. Give up the idea of how they "should" do it and let them do it however they can.
Caring for autistic adults is the next stage in having a child with autism. Read these tips that will help you prepare for the autism transition to adulthood.
Explore strategies to overcome failure to launch syndrome in individuals with Asperger's.
Helping families navigate and thrive through life by using a natural and holistic approach | Recipes, Remedies, DIY Home, Parenting, Autism
"Why are you saying this out of nowhere?" This script is something autistic people can use when a conversation goes wrong.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to find the best resources for Autism? This is a massive list of FREE resources to help you feel less overwhelmed...
Understand the challenges faced by young adults with Asperger's and failure to launch syndrome. Discover strategies for support and success. Asperger's Failure to Launch.
High-functioning autism is a complete misnomer. Just because my struggles aren't obvious doesn't mean they aren't there or that I don't need support.
Your words can have a lasting impression on children and teens with autism. Please use positive words and language when working with everyone...
