Autistic burnout is a state of intense mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion experienced by some autistic people. It is characterized by pervasive, long-term exhaustion, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus. Autistic burnout can impair every aspect of life, including the ability to accomplish everyday tasks, and can last for months at a time. It is caused by masking or camouflaging, or more generally, the stress resulting from living in a neurotypical environment that does not sufficiently accommodate the needs of autistic people. Autistic burnout is different from occupational burnout in that the latter is widely recognized and thus more readily validated by others, making it easier to receive the support needed for recovery. Autistic burnout can last from months to years, and to recover from burnout, it is generally recommended that autistic people withdraw themselves from the situations that triggered it. Spending time with special interests, stimming, and "unmasking" have been reported as helpful. Some common signs of autistic burnout include feeling like you can no longer cope, difficulty with executive functioning, such as completing tasks and making decisions, increase in repetitive behaviors, like stimming, difficulty with activities of daily living, and feeling mentally exhausted and unable to think clearly. Autistic burnout can have many negative effects on an individuals life, including difficulties with health, especially mental health, struggling with independent living, loss of self-belief, and being frightened that the loss of skills from the autistic burnout might be permanent.