Divergent Conversations

Episode 142: FLASHBACK — AuDHD Burnout City: How Autistic and ADHD Burnout Collide and Compensate

Jan 23, 2026
Dive into the intricate world of AuDHD burnout, where ADHD and autistic challenges intertwine. Discover the confusion between ADHD and autistic burnout. Hear personal stories about executive dysfunction and its link to shame and depression. Patrick and Megan offer insights into how burnout can signal the need for change, and they explore the importance of social check-ins. Learn about practical frameworks for self-care and how to reshape your creative projects sustainably. This conversation is both relatable and enlightening!
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INSIGHT

AuDHD Burnout Is A Mixed-Mechanism Problem

  • AuDHD burnout blends autistic and ADHD mechanisms, making it hard to separate causes and effects.
  • Both sensory overwhelm and executive function collapse interact to deepen burnout.
INSIGHT

Executive Collapse Fuels Shame And Depression

  • Executive function collapse is central to ADHD-related burnout and often triggers shame spirals.
  • That shame and collapse create a strong pathway into depression for many ADHDers.
ADVICE

Create Structures To Protect Executive Function

  • Build executive-function accommodations before burnout intensifies, even though they require energy.
  • Use structure, rituals, or systems to reduce daily cognitive load and preserve energy.
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