Inclusive Recovery: Getting the Right Support Matters

Knowledge is power – but action gets results. If your OLBI quiz results (or your gut feeling) tell you that you’re burnt out, consider creating a support plan. Recovery from neurodivergent burnout is not a solo project; it thrives with inclusive support from various angles:

• Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. In Australia, you can talk to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan – while “burnout” itself might not be a formal diagnosis, you can discuss related issues like anxiety, stress, or depression and get referrals to a psychologist or a psychiatrist like myself. Inform your provider about your neurodivergence if they aren’t already aware. A 'good fit' psychiatrist, psychologist or coach can tailor therapy to your cognitive style (for example, using more visuals and reminders for ADHD, or a direct communication style for autism). If one professional doesn’t feel like a 'good fit', find another who does – inclusive mental health support means a therapeutic alliance where you feel safe.

  
  

• Workplace Adjustments: If you’re employed, talk to HR or your manager about what you’re experiencing. You don’t have to disclose all details of being neurodivergent, if you’re not comfortable; you can frame it as needing help with stress management. Many workplaces can offer adjustments like flexible hours, reduced workloads, remote work days, or consider a visit to your GP for medical leave to recover. Some forward-thinking companies even provide mental health training online for staff and managers about neurodiversity and burnout – to foster a more supportive environment. Remind your employer that employee burnout impacts productivity too; a few accommodations now can support productivity in the long run.

  
  

• Leverage Programs Designed for Burnout Recovery: Structure can be extremely helpful when you’re recovering – it takes the guesswork out of “What should I do to feel better?”. This is where an online burnout recovery course can support you. My Burnout Rescue Kit is one such resource, built by myself, a mental health professional with a separate neurodiversity target module.

• The course is self-paced and broken into manageable modules covering physical exhaustion, emotional regulation, and refocusing on goals[28][29]. Because it’s online, you can engage with it whenever you have energy (morning or midnight, up to you).

• It includes videos, workbooks, and practical exercises – from sleep hygiene tips and nutrition (to reboot your energy), to mindfulness techniques and cognitive strategies for stress. Crucially, it’s evidence-based and independent of the hospital system – no doctor referral needed, no waiting list[30]. It is made to be practical, affordable, and accessible on purpose, so that GPs and health professionals also feel confident recommending it to patients who need guided recovery[31]. (Interested? You can learn more or enrol in the Burnout Rescue Kit here.)

  
  

• Community and Peer Support: There’s something powerful about connecting with others who truly understand your experience. Consider joining support groups specifically for ADHD burnout recovery or autistic burnout recovery. Whether it’s a Facebook group, a subreddit, or a local meetup, sharing stories and solutions can reduce the isolation you feel. Peers might offer personal tips for creative memory aids, or how to navigate support services such as the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) if applicable.

• For mothers, there are communities of “neurodivergent mums” exchanging advice on managing parenting when you’re struggling – tapping into those can provide not just practical hacks but emotional reassurance that you’re not the only one. My blog and community also strive to amplify such voices and foster connection. For instance, our Parents & Carers Burnout resource is tailored to caregivers, and our courses often include forum spaces for participants to encourage each other.

  
  

• Lifestyle Tweaks and Self-Care (Long Term): Once you start emerging from the acute phase of burnout, think about sustainable changes to prevent future relapses. This might involve ongoing practices like regular exercise (even gentle walks), sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, or continued therapy/coaching. If you have ADHD, maybe you’ll integrate body-doubling sessions (where you work in parallel with a friend) to make tasks less draining. If you’re autistic, you might decide to permanently reduce social engagements to only those that truly matter, to protect your energy. Build in margin and recovery time into your week, every week – not just when crisis hits. The goal is to redesign your life in a way that respects your neurodivergent needs rather than constantly fighting against them.