Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m neuropsych poster. I have an autistic child and other autistic teen family members - one of which sounds similar to OP’s kid. A child with “just depression” symptoms should be treated differently than a child with autism that is displaying similar behaviors. If there is “just depression” - then the right medication and support hasn’t been found yet and this should be pursued. If it’s “just ADHD and depression,” I would say something similar.
Unfortunately, as you know, if ASD is involved - nothing is simple and medications may not work. Are you familiar with autistic burnout?
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autistic-burnout
Which is NOT depression. If your child is liable to this, expectations need to change and so does the treatment. Preferably, with a therapist with autism experience. Unfortunately, they are hard to find.
NP Can you elaborate more about what you mean in terms of differences between depression and autistic burnout and how you would treat differently?
DP from PP with a question for NP. Did you read the article PP linked in their post? From the summary, it seems the article will address your questions. As well, below the article is a link to guidance on autistic fatigue and burnout that is tailored for autistic young adults, parents/caregivers, and professionals.
“Understanding autistic burnout
Published on 01 March 2022
Author: Dr Dora Raymaker
Dr Dora Raymaker, Research Assistant Professor at Portland State University, discusses research exploring autistic people's experiences of autistic burnout. This includes what autistic burnout feels like, why it might happen and what can be done to prevent it.“