Neurodivergent burnout may cause symptoms such as chronic exhaustion, increased sensory sensitivity, and loss of skills. Taking time off and lowering self-expectations may help with recovery.
Burnout can result from long-term stress at work and can cause exhaustion, low mood, and reduced work performance.
Neurodivergent people may experience additional factors that can cause burnout, including masking and adapting to neurotypical expectations. Neurodivergent burnout can affect all parts of a person’s life, not just work.
This article explains the symptoms and causes of burnout in neurodivergent people, recovery tips, and when to contact a doctor.
Burnout may feel different for neurodivergent people than neurotypical people and may also vary for different types of neurodiversity.
Autism burnout symptoms
A 2020 study looked at the personal experiences of autistic people who had experienced burnout, which included:
- chronic exhaustion
- loss of skills
- reduced tolerance to stimuli
- negative effect on health
- reduced capacity to live independently
- reduced quality of life
- suicidal behavior
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) burnout symptoms
According to a
- reduced quality of life
- persistent anxiety
- stress
- exhaustion or fatigue
- a feeling of unease or impending danger
- feeling easily overwhelmed
- feeling “weathered” by prolonged exhaustion and stress
- physical health issues
What does burnout look like in neurodivergent children?
Signs of burnout in neurodivergent children may include:
- lethargy
- irritability
- avoiding schoolwork or responsibilities
- messiness or losing things
- decreased organization
- reduced school performance
Research around autistic burnout has largely focused on the experience of adults. However, according to the National Autistic Society, burnout symptoms may be similar for anyone with autism, such as:
- fatigue
- increased meltdowns
- increased sensory sensitivity
- physical pain
- headaches
- physically shutting down
- loss of speech
According to a 2023 scoping review, factors that can lead to burnout in neurodivergent people include:
- the need to mask or socially camouflage to fit into an environment that is set up for neurotypical people and is unaccommodating to neurodivergent people
- stressors of daily life
- lack of awareness and acceptance around neurodiversity
- discrimination and stigma
Burnout causes in autistic people
Prolonged stress, lack of support and relief, and the need to meet expectations can all lead to autistic burnout, including:
- needing to act in a nonautistic way
- unreachable expectations
- lack of accommodating environments for autistic people
- dismissal of autistic experiences
- lack of boundaries
- lack of support and services
Burnout causes in people with ADHD
According to a
The ability to hyperfocus, the need to compensate, or needing to work without distractions may increase the risk of workaholism in people with ADHD.
Inattentive qualities may result in procrastination and perfectionism, while impulsivity may cause people to take on more than they can manage. Hyperactivity and difficulties relaxing may also contribute to the overload.
The combination of these factors may lead to increased stress and burnout in people with ADHD.
Some of the
- exhaustion
- feeling emotionally drained
- feeling unable to cope
- lethargic
- physical issues, such as stomach or bowel issues
- frustration
- cynicism
- feeling emotionally distant
- feeling numb
- reduced work performance
- difficulty concentrating
Neurodivergent burnout includes symptoms specific to having neurodiversity, such as:
- increased sensory sensitivity
- loss of skills
- increased meltdowns
- reduced capacity to live independently
- shutting down
Do burnout causes differ?
Causes of burnout in neurotypical people can include work-related stress
- conflict with colleagues
- prolonged overworking
- feeling under-challenged
- constant time pressures
- extreme commitment
A stressful lifestyle and being a caregiver can also cause burnout in neurotypical people.
Causes of burnout in neurodivergent people can include life stressors as above but also includes additional stressors relating to neurodiversity, such as:
- difficulty organizing and prioritizing workloads
- masking behaviors, such as suppressing stimming
- social situations
- being in an environment which does not accommodate neurodiversity
A lack of support and understanding around neurodivergent burnout may prevent people from getting the help they need, which may exacerbate symptoms and make recovery more difficult.
Anecdotal reports suggest recovery from neurodivergent burnout may take weeks, months, or even years in some severe cases.
The time frame for recovery may depend on the extent of burnout and the type of neurodiversity.
Recognizing and addressing burnout early on, seeking help from healthcare professionals, and using medical treatment to help manage neurodivergent-related symptoms may all support quicker recovery.
The following tips may also help neurodivergent people recover from burnout:
Autism
According to a 2020 study, things that helped others in their recovery from autistic burnout included:
- acceptance and social support
- time off
- reduced expectations
- unmasking, or living their lives in an autistic way
For people with autistic burnout, this may look like the following:
- connecting with other autistic people who have similar experiences
- prioritizing time with people who accept them as they are
- allowing themselves to be autistic and focusing on individual strengths and interests
- seeking out reasonable adjustments or support at work or with everyday tasks
- taking more breaks and time off
- reducing social activities or any stressful situations
- talking with a healthcare professional for support with mental and physical health
- focusing on a healthful lifestyle and setting boundaries
- recognizing signs of burnout early on and taking steps to prevent symptoms from progressing, such as scheduling more rest
ADHD
Tips to recover from ADHD burnout
- taking regular breaks and time off
- doing activities that feel enjoyable
- exercising and being outdoors
- working with colleagues to adjust processes in the workplace
- using assistive technology to help organize and prioritize workload
- talking with a doctor about medical treatments for managing ADHD
Helping a neurodivergent child recover from burnout
Steps to support a neurodivergent child with burnout may include:
- helping them understand their daily energy limits and how different activities drain or energize them
- scheduling regular rest and relaxation
- allowing time for a child to be fully themselves without the need to mask
- helping a child fill in any gaps in their learning, either at school or at home
- helping a child develop systems that help them stay organized and prioritize tasks
- changing things up if a child is becoming bored
- establishing clear routines and positive habits
- getting out in nature
Learn more tips for burnout recovery.
If anyone notices symptoms of burnout, it is important to address them.
If people feel unable to cope or if symptoms are severe, talking with a healthcare professional may help with treatment and recovery.
Neurodivergent people may face extra stressors that can contribute to burnout, as well as increased barriers to support.
Recognizing the signs and treating burnout early on may help with quicker recovery. Talking with a healthcare professional who specializes in neurodiversity may help.
Other tips for recovery include taking regular breaks, seeking support from family or other neurodivergent people, and spending time doing enjoyable activities.