elsapelsa wrote:
I have only experienced autistic burnout in my child so this might not be helpful. She has had two - one at 5 and one at 8. Then she got diagnosed and has not had anything like that since.
For her she literally needed to be in a safe cocoon where she didn't need to make any choices or feel any pressure. She couldn't dress for example as it was too overwhelming to choose clothes and she couldn't accept help. I covered the floor from corner to corner in kraft paper, put the heat up, and let her sit and doodle. Gradually by removing all expectations she started coming out of it. Though drawing various imaginary friends and their clothing she found it easier to contemplate clothing again and after a few days she entertained the idea of "dressing up" and could again wear clothes. It took 2.5 weeks at 5 and at 8 it took about 2 months to fully come out of it. Sure that is not helpful to your situations but perhaps taking pressure and expectations away is.
In your situation I would cook simple nourishing meals in portions and bring them over without expecting to stay. I would try to not ask questions and keep interactions simple and uplifting. Sending a nice picture, a short message that doesn't require a response or put pressure on. Does your friend have any particular interest or hobbies that they might find uplifting?
Thank you so much for the very good advice! I love what you said about taking away pressure and expectation. I’ve also noted what everyone else who responded to my question said about people/ human interactions being the cause of anxiety/ burnout, so I’ve decided to just respect his need for solitude. I dropped him a simple greeting on his birthday without expecting any response; he replied the next day. I guess he also prefers communication being kept to a minimum (or none at all) for the time being, and I understand that.
As for your question about my friend’s hobbies, he likes to cook but he has helpers at home to do that for him now. I’ll see what I can do about sending uplifting short messages or nice pictures.
By the way, I think you did a really great job with your daughter’s burnout. It may be trial and error like you said, but with how you’ve handled it, I’m pretty sure you’ll do well as a parent. Thanks again!
01 Aug 2018, 9:35 pm
