Burnout Collection

To survive and thrive, we often need to be able to conform to expectations, rules, and schedules that work for some but not for others. AIDE Canada and partners have created resources covering everything from masking to prevention and recovery strategies.

Toolkits and Infographics

Autistic Burnout – Prevention and Recovery Strategies

This toolkit reflects a review of literature from various authors on the topic of autistic burnout. It conveys possibilities in moving forward..

Autistic Burnout: A Lived Experience Perspective

The term ‘autistic burnout’ refers to a condition many have experienced when facing prolonged periods of stress. A person may experience long-term exhaustion (3+ months), loss of function, and reduced tolerance to things in their environment. In this toolkit, autistic self-advocate and author Sylvère Moulanier describes the causes of autistic burnout, how to tell if you are experiencing burnout, and provides tips and strategies to support yourself and work towards feeling better. While this toolkit is written for autistic individuals, it can also be useful for those seeking to support their loved ones who are struggling with autistic burnout.

Close up photo of two people holding hands

The Autistic Experience of Grief

This toolkit is Part 1 of a series that explores the unique ways that Autistic people may experience loss and grief. It describes experiences that may trigger grief and various signs of Autistic grief. Autistic contributors shared personal stories of grief along with their advice for others.

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Ableism: The Autistic Experience

Ableism comprises beliefs, policies and actions that disadvantage disabled people by prioritizing the needs of the non-disabled majority. This toolkit describes ableism, and the impact of internalized ableism. Ableism must be confronted and rejected to achieve true acceptance of Autistic people.

An Introductory Overview of Some Mental Health Challenges and their ‘Co-Occurrence’ with Autism

This overview identifies selected examples of mental health challenges that may co-exist with autism, including prevalence rates. We address some key considerations related to assessment and support for autistic individuals with co-existing mental health conditions. This review includes reflection about these co-existing conditions by Dr. Ade Orimalade, a psychiatrist specializing in autism and mental health.

Videos and Webinars

Autistic Burnout Webinar

Autistic Burnout’ describes periods of chronic physical and/or mental exhaustion, reduced tolerance to stressors, and can include the loss of communication and/or life skills. Join us as we bring together leading self-advocates and researchers who will share their experiences, explain the latest scientific research, and provide strategies for dealing with this distressing experience.

Masking and Mental Health Webinar

While not everyone who masks will face mental health concerns, masking, and its complexities, can place an immense toll on the mental wellbeing of autistic individuals. In this webinar, participants will gain a better understanding of the interconnectedness of masking and mental health along with strategies to support their overall mental wellbeing. This webinar is appropriate for autistic individuals, families and caregivers, and professionals serving this population.

AIDE Canada starts a conversation with Kieran Rose about Masking

Kieran Rose is a well-known author and international public speaker from the UK who runs “The Autistic Advocate” website. In this video, Kieran discusses Autistic Burnout, Masking, and strategies for supporting mental health for Autistic adults and elders. This resource was developed in partnership with the Pacific Autism Family Network.

Course

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Discovering Your Autistic Identity: A self-directed course for late-diagnosed autistic adults

Discovering Your Autistic Identity is a self-directed course for late-diagnosed autistic adults. This course will include topics such as autism and identity in adulthood, reflecting on childhood, rediscovering and embracing your true self, and moving forward. This course was proudly created by a self-advocate who was diagnosed as autistic in adulthood.

Overviews

The causes of autistic burnout can be numerous and complex. Many factors can contribute to it, such as challenges at work or processing being diagnosed with autism as an adult. Likewise, grief and loss, while distinct from burnout, can contribute to burnout in autistic people.

Here are some additional collections that with resources to support some of factors that may contribute to burnout.

Employment Collection

AIDE Canada and partners have curated an extensive array of resources, designed for both employers and employees. Delve into our diverse selection of webinars, toolkits, and courses dedicated to empowering organizations and employees in creating an inclusive and thriving workplaces for neurodivergent individuals.

Adult Diagnosis Collection

Diagnosing autism in adults can be a complex and nuanced process, typically involving a comprehensive assessment by a team of healthcare professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and speech therapists. It is crucial to recognize that autism presents differently in adults, with some individuals exhibiting milder symptoms or unique strengths and challenges. Diagnosis can open doors to tailored support and therapies that can significantly improve an adult’s quality of life and help them navigate the complexities of the neurotypical world. Here are some resources to help.

Grief and Loss Collection

This collection shares how Autistic people experience grief, offering personal insights and practical, neurodiversity-affirming support. With reflections from Autistic contributors and strategies for self-advocates and their supporters, it provides tools for understanding, coping with, and moving through loss.

Becoming More Trauma Informed Collection

Being trauma-informed is about acknowledging the need to understand a person’s life experiences in order to deliver effective services. With this approach, service providers can improve engagement, health outcomes, and wellness for their community. This collection of resources can assist service providers and individuals to develop an approach that improves understanding, and helps to recognize, and respond to the effects of all types of trauma.