The excitement of the first couple months of school has worn off. Everyone has become accustomed to their classroom, the teacher’s routine, and what’s expected of them. The holidays are approaching. Costumes, candy, and cooler weather are all the buzz. While this may sound like everything is humming along – neurodivergent children and teenagers can start burning out around this time. With the right preparation and solution focused strategies, caregivers can help ease this burnout before it becomes a bigger issue.
What Does Neurodivergent Burnout Look Like?
Burnout looks a little bit different in every child, but in general, you will see signs that fall into these categories:
Thinking/Learning/Memory:
- Regressing in certain skills or subjects they used to enjoy.
- Increased frustration during simple assignments.
- Forgetfulness at home, school, and in other hobbies.
- Decrease in grades or increased teacher notes on homework/assignments.
Behavioral/Physical:
- Defiance with time limits with screens, chores, or social outings with family
- Frequent complaints of stomach aches, headaches, and poor sleep
- Frequent avoidance or wanting more alone time
Emotional/Mood:
- Increase in outbursts either at home or in class
- Irritability and/or tearfulness before school
- Sensory sensitivities increased
It is also helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the household stress level? Have there been any big changes (separation, loss of family, sibling fighting, financial stress, or health issues within family)?
- Has their school changed (increased teacher layoffs/turnover, bullying, school funding issues, IEP being ignored, etc) that could make school feel more uncomfortable?
- How is your child’s overall health? Any new pain, vision or hearing problems, vitamin deficiencies, gut issues, or new medications being taken?
Next Steps
Early intervention is the key to mastering the mid-school year burnout and staying strong for the rest of the year.
- Tracking your child’s progress is a helpful way to motivate them if they regress in their skills or habits. Keeping old homework or helpful handouts to refresh their memory in their notebook is a great way to reengage their memory.
- Supportive sleep hygiene practices can make the entire household function more in sync and reduce burnout. Check out this link for more in depth information – Sleep Hygiene for Kids.
- If you are able to create a sensory friendly area that is a dedicated space for homework or stress reduction this can reduce meltdowns that come with burnout. Think of weighted blankets, lava lamps, soft plush toys, and soothing soft lighting.
- Review your child’s IEP and ensure that everything is being followed at school. If you need new accommodations – check with your child’s school/IEP team regarding what additional services may be available or what they require in order to obtain those services.
- Teaching your child about burnout is one way for them to learn how to recognize their differences and how to advocate for themselves. This can improve their own understanding of how they function. Use color coded notes and stick them around the house to teach them about each of the executive functioning skills or get a white board and make it a fun little mini class on burnout. Your child likes to feel involved and this teaches them that speaking up for their needs is always a good thing!
Overall, many children tend to experience a mid-year slump, regardless of how bright, fun, and engaged they are. Taking on the problem together as a family makes things feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Burnout doesn’t have to burn you out! Take steps one at a time and remember – kids are resilient! They often bounce back, and they may just need our help in doing so effectively.
