Divergent Conversations Episode 2: Autistic Burnout
Autistic Burnout Defined
- Autistic burnout differs from occupational burnout and depression, often leading to the latter but requiring different treatment.
- It involves chronic exhaustion, loss of skills (especially executive functioning and speaking), and heightened sensory sensitivities.
How Are You?
- Patrick Cassell and Megan Neff discuss a common interaction where Cassell's casual "How are you?" question is met with Neff's honest uncertainty.
- Neff highlights the complexity of the question, preferring clarification on which aspect of life is being referenced.
Sensory Overload and Distress Tolerance
- Sensory overload and diminished distress tolerance are key components of autistic burnout.
- Patrick Cassell shares a personal experience at a retreat where the overwhelming sensory input led to a grief moment and feelings of disability.
Do you ever find yourself in a state of paralyzing burnout that can happen even when you're doing activities that you enjoy?
Have you ever taken a vacation to fight the fatigue of life only to find that your post-vacation burnout-recovery state is reversed sooner and more severely than others?
Do you wonder how you can reduce your burnout in a way that works and actually lasts?
Then this episode is for you.
Top 3 reasons to listen to this episode:
- Understand what autistic burnout looks like and how it differs from the burnout that might be experienced from things like work.
- Identify ways to provide self-care when you are experiencing autistic burnout, as well as how to incorporate sensory soothers.
- Learn how autistic burnout and ADHD can affect each other.
Autistic burnout can be a very tiring and frustrating experience. It can have a significant impact on your productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand what it is, how it affects you, and how to deal with it effectively. By doing so, you can preserve your energy and improve your quality of life.
To cope with autistic burnout, it is crucial to identify the activities or practices that help you recharge and calm your senses. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can manage your energy levels and reduce the likelihood of burnout.
Additional Resources:
- Check out Dora M. Raymaker's study on autistic burnout: “Having All of Your Internal Resources Exhausted Beyond Measure and Being Left with No Clean-Up Crew: Defining Autistic Burnout."
Megan's Resources for Autism and Burnout:
- How to Spot Autistic Burnout: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autistic-burnout-symptoms
- What Causes Autistic Burnout: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/what-causes-autistic-burnout
- Autistic Burnout Recovery: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autistic-burnout-recovery
- Autistic Burnout Workbook: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/autistic-burnout-guide-and-worksheets
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✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:
I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout.
- Use the following link to grab this offer: neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64
- After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062
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💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground
Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Autistic Burnout Workbook
I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout. Use the following link to grab this offer: https://neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64 After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062