ADHD Experts Podcast 556- Understanding AuDHD Burnout: How Neurodivergent Masking Sparks Stress, Exhaustion
26 snips
May 27, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Amy Marschall, a licensed psychologist and expert in neurodiversity, delves into the intricacies of AuDHD burnout. She explains how masking affects autistic individuals, leading to increased stress and exhaustion. Amy shares vital strategies for recognizing burnout signs and differentiating them from other mental health issues. Emphasizing self-advocacy and support, she offers insights on navigating ADHD care and the significant impact of community in fostering understanding and resilience among neurodivergent individuals.
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Neurodivergent Masking Exhausts
- Neurodivergent masking is a survival strategy to hide authentic traits and fit into a neuronormative society.
- Constant masking is exhausting and leads to stress, lowered self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Autism and ADHD Overlap
- Autism and ADHD often co-occur, with 50-80% of autistic people also having ADHD.
- Diagnostic criteria historically excluded dual diagnosis, complicating recognition and treatment.
Burnout Is Environmental Mismatch
- Neurodivergent burnout arises from mismatched expectations and abilities without proper support.
- It worsens sensory sensitivities and breaks down coping capacity, often mistaken for regression.