Regression is normally talked about in reference to autistic children, but it can happen to adults too. Autistic regression in adults is sometimes called burnout. It can happen for many reasons. It usually means a person has a need for better stress and stimulus management. Once you understand more about what it is and why it happens, you can learn to address it.
Regression refers to the loss of skills or abilities that a person had before. While it’s commonly talked about in the context of children on the spectrum, regression can happen at any age.
Autistic regression can cause executive function challenges. It can also cause loss of speech or affect any communication, social, or self-care skills. Research into this phenomenon is ongoing. While it can be frustrating, “regression” may help shed light on a very real need for rest and regulation.
The term “regression” is usually used when referring to autistic children who are showing delays in development or not meeting expected milestones. It is often used as a catch-all name. When it happens in adults, “autistic fatigue” or “burnout” are usually more appropriate terms.
Burnout in adults with disabilities can result from many things. Examples include:
No matter what causes burnout, it can lead to intense exhaustion. This makes performing regular tasks more difficult.
The impact of burnout varies from person to person, but the loss of skills is a common symptom. Aspects of self-care, communication, and other important skills can fall by the wayside when a person has reached a point of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion.
This loss of skills doesn’t mean that person will never recover them. Regression in adults is often temporary. Once the causes of burnout get addressed, it’s easier to rebuild skills and habits.
Age regression refers to behaviors that might seem inappropriate for a person's age or emotional intelligence. It does not mean that the person is immature or childlike. Instead, it means that they are expressing distress.
Some people may label outbursts of emotion, so-called “tantrums,” or attention and stimulus-seeking behaviors as “regressive.” Using this label can be problematic, though. These behaviors can all be natural reactions to extreme stress or discomfort.
When you're experiencing symptoms of regression or burnout, it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. Burnout is the brain and body’s way of letting us know we’re being pushed past our limits and need to make a change.
Here are some ways you can manage the signs and symptoms of regression and get back to feeling your best:
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