Autistic regression in adults refers to a period where an autistic person temporarily loses or struggles with skills they previously had—such as communication, executive functioning, emotional regulation, or daily living abilities. This is not a true “loss” of development but often a response to factors like autistic burnout, chronic stress, sensory overload, mental health strain, or unmet support needs. In adulthood, regression can look like increased shutdowns, reduced verbal communication, difficulty managing routines, or social withdrawal. Understanding this experience helps shift the focus from “decline” to recognizing overload and the need for rest, accommodation, and recovery strategies.
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