Autism and ADHD Burnout Recovery (Kids Edition)
Supporting Autistic Kids Through Burnout
As many kids are getting back into the rhythms of in-person school, sports, and more, I've wondered how our Neurodivergent children are fairing. It's a lot for their sensory systems to be readjusting to! Here are some ideas for how to support your neurodivergent children (many of these also apply to our ADHD children, too!).
Below are a few of my suggestions on how to be supporting our kiddos (note some of these links are affiliate links).
Support Their Sleep
Neurodivergent children, on average, struggle much more with sleep (particularly ages 0-8). The transition to alone time/night can be challenging for many of them. Rituals, routines, and transitional objects can all be helpful. There is also encouraging research about the use of melatonin (I like this one, one gummy is 2.5 mg, and you can easily cut them in half to change the dose, and children enjoy the taste), but of course, do your own research/talk with your pediatrician first.
Encourage Unmasking
(unmasking is an Autism/ADHD term meaning encourage authentic communication and patterns, this term is not associated with health masks). Many kids come home from school and have epic "meltdowns"; this often results from sensory overload and fatigue related to masking. While it doesn't feel great to be on the receiving end of this, it means they feel safe with you, which can be a helpful thing to remember. But also, encouraging unmasking isn't the same as having no boundaries. Balancing boundaries of appropriate behaviors while also encouraging unmasking is the sweet spot.
Encourage Special Interest Projects
Getting into a "Flow state" is so restorative for the brain. Many of us get into a flow state by getting absorbed in our special interests or hyper-fixated on a project. This is a great way to unwind and detox after a long sensory day. Helping your kids get lost in a project they love soothing. Interestingly many Neurodivergent people often find their special interests to be regulating. And so spending time in special interest projects can also help to regulate difficult emotions.
Ensure Appropriate Support and Accommodations are in Place
When Responsibilities > than internal resources + supports= Burnout. Ensure your child has appropriate supports in place. If they are twice-exceptional, they may have a harder time accessing supports, and you may need to advocate for them extra.
Incorporate Soothing Sensory Activities
There are several ways to incorporate soothing sensory routines into the daily routine. Repetitive movement through the use of therapy swings, bouncy toys, crash pads (my son’s favorite), bean bag chairs, fidget devices, and more. This sort of movement is regulating and soothing for their bodies.
Cultivate Rest
Our culture is fast-paced. Kids' lives are more packed than ever. They don't need to be doing a hundred activities and support. Ensuring appropriate rest is built into their life is prevention work.
To learn more about autistic burnout and the risks associated with it, see this article from Spectrum News. To learn more about ADHD burnout, see this article from ADDitude Magazine.
