Here are the answers to the questions from the online intake questionnaire (for the non-autism informed therapist) I mentioned. I’m not posting her questions word for word.

What’s wrong now?

Seeking help now due to a different time in my life. Autistic burnout + dog died on May 30. I need a bare-minimum functional routine because the death of my dog eliminated the prompting, I used to get basic things done.

Other stressors – lack of adequate disability support, financial limitations, chronic job stress, limited support system, health issues, reduced functional capacity, home maintenance demands, and sensory overload

Please give more details

I did everything based on my dog’s schedule and needs. I need help figuring out real priorities, what is actually necessary, and what is realistic within my current level of burnout. I’m not looking for a cure for burnout, but I’m looking for tips on loss of function related to self-care and executive function.

How often does it happen? How does it affect your life?  Did you get help in the past?

The current burnout is severely limiting what I can do. Most of my energy goes to working, caring for my dog, and completing only required tasks. If I leave the house for a chore, I’m pretty much out of it for the rest of the day. I do not cook or clean in a typical way, and I rarely leave the house. My sensory tolerance is lower: I wear noise-canceling headphones almost all the time at home, and fluorescent lights now bother me quickly. I also have more social fatigue, less tolerance for eye contact or small talk, and a lower overall window of tolerance.

I have dealt with it mostly by reducing demands, avoiding overstimulation, and doing only what is necessary. I have had burnout before, but nothing this intense or functionally limiting.

Not much help for autistic burnout besides changing the environment, and since I currently have to work, that isn’t an option. Work accommodation was denied. I have reduced demands, but I still have to go to doctor’s appointments, etc.

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I hate doing stuff like this more than a week in advance because things have already changed. I went to the doctor on Monday and was dizzy, had chest pains, etc, AFTERWARD (not as medical anxiety) and was out all of Tuesday. Today I feel slightly better but dealing with coldness because it’s under 55 degrees this morning. Bad insulation in my house. I have heated gloves on my list for September. Had no idea I would need them in June.

Whatever. The point is I had point is no dog to constantly take care of and I still get nothing done. SIGH. So telling me to do this or that is not the answer.

That’s it for now. Part II is here.