Parents of autistic teenagers, what does burnout look like in your child?

[Tim3toputmys3lffirst]

Any other parents on here with autistic child, that suffers with autistic burnout?
what does that look like in your child?
my 17yo daughter cannot do basic daily tasks at the moment. I’m having to help her to shower and brush her teeth.
she’s embarrassed more than anything that I’m having to help her and that’s making her more upset.
I have explained that it’s ok that she needs a bit more help right now, and that I will do anything she needs me too.
it’s really tough trying to balance helping her and encouraging her to be independent.

Theres also other issues going on, she has Tourette syndrome, depression and anxiety all mixed in together.

I really want to help as best I can but sometimes it’s not enough and she still struggles to cope with everything

Has DD had an OT assessment?

Would DD be less embarrassed if it was someone else helping her with personal care? Some, although not all, find it easier if it isn’t their mum. If that is something that would help DD, you could request social care assessments.

Hi thanks for replying. No she hasn’t. I didn’t know that was an option. the only things we have accessed is therapy with a children’s psychologist, provisions put in place at college, and PIP assessment.
I really believe she would find that more embarrassing to be honest. We have a really close relationship and she comes to me for everything. When she goes to her dads house at the weekends, she doesn’t shower at all because she can’t ask for help there which I feel awful about.

I would look at an OT assessment.

Depending on DD’s plans for education, you might want to look at requesting an EHCNA. Pointless if she is going to university in September, but if she isn’t, then it is worth looking at.