What is Neurodivergent Burnout?

Sunday, December 9, 2023.

Neurodivergent burnout, a phenomenon characterized by overwhelming exhaustion, reduced cognitive function, and heightened sensory sensitivities, is a pervasive yet often misunderstood aspect of the neurodiverse experience…

In this modest musing, I’ll poke around the intricacies of neurodivergent burnout, I’ll invite the perspectives of no less than a half-dozen neurodiverse thought leaders who have made significant contributions to understanding and addressing this particular phenomenon.

What is neurodivergent burnout?

Neurodivergent burnout is a complex state that arises from the cumulative impact of stressors related to sensory overload, social demands, and the effort required to navigate an oppressively neurotypical world.

To gain a deeper understanding of this experience, I’ll begin by turning to the insights of Sarah Hendrickx, a neurodiverse author, trainer, and consultant who specializes in autism, neurodiversity, and mental health.

Hendrickx emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique nature of Neurodivergent Burnout, which can manifest as physical and mental fatigue, cognitive impairment, and an increased vulnerability to mental health challenges.

She advocates for a holistic approach to support, acknowledging the interconnectedness of sensory regulation, social expectations, and mental well-being.

The existential dilemma of Masking…

One of the primary stressors contributing to autistic burnout is the pervasive practice of "Masking" – the effort to camouflage autistic traits to fit into societal norms. Thought leader and psychologist Dr. Damian Milton has extensively explored the concept of masking, emphasizing its impact on mental health and well-being.

Dr. Milton argues that while Masking allows neurodiverse individuals to navigate social situations with greater ease, it comes at a cost.

The constant effort to mask one's authentic self can lead to exhaustion, contributing significantly to burnout. Understanding the delicate balance between societal expectations and authentic expression is crucial in addressing the root causes of autistic burnout.

Sensory Overload and Neurodivergent Burnout

Sensory sensitivities are a hallmark of neurodiversity, and they play a pivotal role in the experience of neurodivergent burnout. Donna Williams, an Australian artist, author, and autism consultant, provides valuable insights into the impact of sensory overload on autistic individuals.

Williams encourages a nuanced understanding of sensory experiences, emphasizing that what may seem like minor sensory stimuli to neurotypical humans can be overwhelmingly intense for someone on what some still describe as the autism spectrum.

Creating sensory-friendly environments and fostering awareness about the diverse sensory needs of neurodivergent humans are key components of mitigating the sensory aspects of burnout.

The Role of Executive Functioning

Executive functioning, encompassing cognitive processes such as planning, organization, and emotional regulation, plays a crucial role in the daily lives of neurodivergent humans.

Dena Gassner, a leading advocate and educator on autism and neurodiversity, sheds light on the connection between executive functioning challenges and neurodivergent burnout.

Gassner highlights how the constant demand for cognitive flexibility and adaptation to unforeseen circumstances, which emerges from normative neurotypical expectations, may deplete a neurodivergent human's executive functioning resources.

Understanding and accommodating these challenges in educational and workplace settings is essential for preventing and managing neurodivergent burnout.

Autistic Strengths and Coping Mechanisms

In the pursuit of understanding and addressing autistic burnout, it is essential to recognize and harness autistic/neurodivergent strengths. Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned autism advocate and professor of animal science, has emphasized the importance of embracing neurodiversity and leveraging individual strengths.

Grandin contends that both acknowledging and especially nurturing the unique talents and interests of neurodivergent humans can serve as a protective factor against burnout.

By fostering environments that value and accommodate neurodiversity, society can create spaces where neurodiverse humans might possibly thrive, while navigating their world without sacrificing their well-being.

Intersectionality in Autistic Burnout

As we explore the multifaceted nature of autistic burnout, we must consider the intersectionality of identities.

Thought leader Lydia X. Z. Brown, a disability justice advocate, attorney, and writer, emphasizes the importance of recognizing how factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status intersect with autism/neurodiversity to shape the experience of what we call neurodivergent burnout.

Brown advocates for an inclusive and intersectional approach to understanding and addressing neurodivergent burnout, acknowledging that the challenges faced by neurodiverse humans are further compounded by other aspects of their identity.

Brown’s perspective underscores the necessity of tailored and holistic support systems that address the unique needs of each sacred human!

We are all so profoundly needed!

Destigmatizing Burnout

Working towards destigmatizing burnout within society at large can contribute to a more understanding and empathetic environment.

This involves fearlessly challenging stereotypes, promoting education on neurodiversity, and fostering a wider acceptance among the teeming throngs of mediocre, story-bound neurotypicals.

Sorry.. even though I’m neurotypical…I got a wee bit carried away there….

Final thoughts…

Neurodiverse burnout is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that demands a more comprehensive and compassionate approach from the neurotypical majority..

Perhaps by reflecting on the insights of neurodiverse thought leaders like Sarah Hendrickx, Dr. Damian Milton, Donna Williams, Dena Gassner, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Lydia X. Z. Brown, and others, who have only temporarily escaped my notice, of course, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies surrounding autistic burnout.

Hey, if we can recognize the toxic impact of Masking, if we can grok the role of sensory sensitivities, and get curious about addressing executive functioning challenges, leveraging neurodivergent strengths, and embracing intersectionality, we just might shuffle our sorry asses toward a more inclusive and supportive environment for our otherwise lovable, profoundly necessary, and exceeding gifted neurodivergent humans.

We need all sorts of brains to face what is coming…

Through ongoing research, fierce and ferocious advocacy, and implementing hard nosed pragmatic strategies, we just might create a world where neurodiverse human beings can more readily navigate their unique life paths.

Hopefully, without succumbing to the pervasive challenges of burnout from dealing with the story-marinated rest of us!

Be well, stay kind, and Godspeed.