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ADHD Burnout vs. Autistic Burnout: Understanding the Differences, Navigating the Challenges, and Building Compassionate Resilience

Writer's picture: Jannice JonesJannice Jones

Burnout is a common but often misunderstood experience for both ADHD and Autistic individuals, manifesting in unique ways depending on each person's neurodivergent profile. For those who experience both conditions—often referred to as "AuDHD"—the risk of burnout can be even more pronounced due to overlapping symptoms and intensified challenges. In this article, I will explore the distinct characteristics of ADHD and Autistic burnout, how they differ, early warning signs to watch for, and strategies to prevent and recover from burnout. Coaching, self-care, and community support play vital roles in managing these challenges.

As someone who experienced burnout in my 50s prior to my neurodivergent diagnosis, I wish I had known what to look out for sooner. At that time, I reached a point where I had to leave a career I loved—a decision driven by exhaustion and compounded by the hormonal shifts of menopause. The symptoms of menopause and neurodivergence can overlap, especially for women who may already be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This article aims to share some of the lessons I wish I had known then, so others can recognise the signs and take action before burnout takes over.

 

1. What is ADHD Burnout?

ADHD burnout arises from the chronic stress of managing expectations, deadlines, and daily responsibilities in a world that can feel overwhelmingly fast-paced and inflexible. Many individuals with ADHD experience burnout from the energy it takes to maintain focus, meet deadlines, and navigate executive function challenges in environments that often lack ADHD-friendly accommodations.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD Burnout:

 

Persistent mental and physical fatigue, even after sleep

Increased forgetfulness and trouble concentrating

Emotional dysregulation, including frustration, irritability, or mood swings

Feelings of inadequacy or guilt, especially around productivity

Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach issues

Higher impulsivity or risk-taking behaviours

Fact: According to a study published in Behaviour and Brain Functions, people with ADHD are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic stress and burnout, especially if they feel they are not meeting their own or others’ expectations.

 2. What is Autistic Burnout?

Autistic burnout occurs when the cumulative stress of social interactions, sensory overload, and the effort of "masking" (concealing autistic traits to blend into neurotypical environments) leads to extreme mental and physical exhaustion. Many autistic individuals experience burnout that can result in temporary loss of skills and a need for recovery through solitude and reduced demands.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Autistic Burnout:

 

Severe fatigue, often beyond what rest can fix

Difficulty with daily functioning, even on tasks previously manageable

Increased sensitivity to sensory inputs (light, noise, textures)

Loss of verbal or social skills (difficulty speaking or engaging)

Feelings of overwhelm, hopelessness, or mental “shutdown”

Withdrawal from social interaction, need for extended solitude

Research indicates that over 70% of autistic adults have experienced burnout, often due to social or sensory overload and the ongoing effort of masking .

 

Understanding AuDHD Burnout:

For individuals with both ADHD and autism (AuDHD), burnout can be compounded by the overlap and interaction between symptoms. These individuals may experience ADHD-related impulsivity and energy shifts alongside sensory sensitivities and a strong need for structure typical of autism. The result can be a particularly intense form of burnout where managing both executive dysfunction and sensory overload feels overwhelming.

 

Unique Challenges in AuDHD Burnout:

 

Increased susceptibility to both emotional dysregulation (from ADHD) and sensory overwhelm (from autism)

Greater difficulty with routines that require both flexibility (ADHD) and predictability (autism)

Higher risk of masking, leading to emotional exhaustion

Intensified social anxiety due to both impulsivity and sensitivity to social cues

4. The Impact of Menopause on Burnout in Neurodivergent Women

Menopause can exacerbate the effects of burnout, especially for undiagnosed or late-diagnosed neurodivergent women. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can amplify symptoms such as brain fog, irritability, and fatigue—common burnout indicators. For women managing ADHD, autism, or both, this can lead to increased executive function challenges and heightened emotional sensitivity.

 

Studies have shown that oestrogen levels, which affect dopamine production, can influence ADHD symptoms. As oestrogen declines during menopause, ADHD symptoms can intensify, increasing the risk of burnout.

 

5.Coaching Can Help Navigate Burnout in ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD

Coaching provides neurodivergent individuals with tailored strategies to manage their unique challenges, helping prevent and recover from burnout. Coaches with neurodiversity training can help clients develop self-awareness, create realistic goals, and establish routines that align with their needs.

 

How Coaching Supports ADHD Burnout:

 

Executive Function Support: Coaches offer strategies for organising tasks and setting priorities, reducing the cognitive load.

Emotional Regulation Techniques: Coaches help clients develop practical tools for managing impulsivity and frustration, both common burnout triggers.

Accountability and Encouragement: Regular sessions provide gentle accountability and encouragement, reinforcing positive self-worth and compassionate resilience.

How Coaching Supports Autistic Burnout:

 

Sensory and Social Boundaries: Coaches can work with clients on identifying sensory triggers and setting healthy boundaries.

Reducing Masking: Coaching offers strategies for self-acceptance and authenticity, allowing clients to reduce the emotional toll of masking.

Routine Building: Coaches help autistic clients build routines that fit their natural rhythms, decreasing stress and conserving energy.

How Coaching Supports AuDHD Burnout:

 

Dual Approach to Executive Function and Sensory Needs: Coaches can help AuDHD clients balance the need for both flexibility and structure, a unique challenge for this group.

Self-Compassion and Self-Awareness: Coaching provides tools for understanding and embracing the complexities of managing both ADHD and autism traits.

6. Self-Care Strategies for ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD Burnout

Individuals can implement daily practices to reduce the risk of burnout or to support recovery if burnout is already present.

 

For ADHD Burnout:

 

Break Tasks into Steps: Smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.

Scheduled Breaks and Downtime: Regular breaks throughout the day prevent cognitive fatigue.

Practice Saying No: Learning to set limits prevents overcommitment.

 

For Autistic Burnout:

 

Use Sensory Tools: Employ items like noise-cancelling headphones or tinted glasses to reduce sensory overload.

Dedicate Time for Solitude: Spending time alone helps with recharging and processing.

Limit Masking: Finding safe spaces to be authentic reduces emotional exhaustion.

 

For AuDHD Burnout:

 

Balance Routine and Flexibility: Experiment with routines that allow structure but are adaptable when needed.

Prioritise Energy-Restoration Activities: Make time for sensory-friendly activities that provide comfort.

Mindful Boundary Setting: Protect energy by managing exposure to draining situations or people.

 

7. Early Warning Signs of Burnout to Look Out For

Being aware of the early symptoms of burnout can help individuals seek support sooner and prevent escalation.

 

Early Warning Signs of ADHD Burnout:

 

Heightened sensitivity to criticism and irritability

Trouble waking up or staying focused despite feeling ‘wired’

Avoidance of tasks due to overwhelm

 

Early Warning Signs of Autistic Burnout:

 

Increasing withdrawal from social activities

Difficulty with routine tasks that were previously manageable

Heightened sensory sensitivity and need for solitude

 

Early Warning Signs of AuDHD Burnout:

 

Emotional exhaustion coupled with impulsivity or restlessness

Difficulty balancing routines and flexibility

Increased need for both stimulation (ADHD) and solitude (autism)

 

8. Building a Sustainable Path Forward

Recovering from burnout is a gradual process that involves self-compassion, patience, and intentional changes. By recognising burnout signs early and adopting neurodiversity-informed strategies, individuals with ADHD, autism, or both (AuDHD) can take proactive steps to thrive.

 

This article shares practical insights for understanding and managing ADHD and autistic burnout, helping individuals recognize burnout signs, seek support, and take actionable steps toward recovery.

If you need help with any of the issues raised in this article please reach out to one of the team at support@jannicejones.com or visit our website for other articles and help, including coaching, training and workplace needs assessment: https://www.jannicejones.com

 



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© 2022 by Jannice Jones MSc

Founder Jannice Jones Coaching

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