What is Burnout (and Why Neurodivergent Adults Are at Risk)?

Burnout is more than ordinary tiredness – it’s the gradual erosion of your energy, motivation, and ability to cope over time[2]. Classic symptoms include persistent low energy, feeling emotionally detached or cynical about work, and a sense of ineffectiveness or guilt[3]. You might struggle to get out of bed despite adequate sleep, snap at loved ones then withdraw, or feel “I just need a break” but find that even rest doesn’t help[4].

The Black Dog Institute describes burnout as encompassing “low energy or mood; feeling isolated or trapped; cynicism or disengagement from work; decreased life satisfaction; procrastination; irritability; and even physical symptoms like headaches”[3]. In short, it’s a state of being utterly “burnt out” – emotionally, physically, and mentally.

So why are neurodivergent adults particularly prone to burnout? Research and lived experiences suggest several reasons:

• Constant Masking: Many autistic or ADHD adults spend their days masking – hiding or suppressing their natural behaviours to appear “neurotypical.” This is exhausting. The cognitive and emotional effort of constant masking can rapidly lead to burnout[5]. In fact, masking is cited as one of the highest contributors to autistic burnout, as it creates chronic stress and a sense of disconnect between one’s real self and outward appearance[6].

• Sensory and Cognitive Overload: Neurodivergent people often face sensory sensitivities and cognitive differences. Busy workplaces, social gatherings, or even day-to-day multitasking can overwhelm someone with ADHD or autism. Over time, sensory overload and the strain of continuously compensating for ADHD/learning differences (e.g. a dyslexic person working extra hard to read/organise) deplete one’s energy reserves.

• Invisible Labour and Perfectionism: Many neurodivergent adults, especially mothers and carers, juggle tremendous invisible loads. For example, an autistic mum might meticulously plan every family routine to avoid sensory meltdowns, or an ADHD working parent might fight daily to meet deadlines despite attention difficulties. This constant effort – often compounded by perfectionism or fear of failure – adds up. It’s no surprise that without support, caregivers and professionals who can’t “switch off” are prime candidates for burnout[7][8].

• Lack of Appropriate Support: Unfortunately, our workplaces and healthcare systems are still catching up in terms of inclusive mental health support. Neurodivergent employees might not get workplace accommodations, or their struggles may be misunderstood as laziness or incompetence. Likewise, mothers with ADHD or autism might not have family or community support attuned to their needs. When support systems don’t accommodate neurodiversity, the burden on the individual increases – and so does burnout risk[9].

• Executive Function Fatigue: Many neurodivergent adults experience executive functioning challenges (with organising, planning, memory, etc.). Imagine running a mental marathon every day just to manage basic tasks. Over time, this can cause “executive function fatigue,” making it harder to cope with even routine responsibilities[10]. Small stressors pile up into one big overwhelm.

  
  

In essence, if you’re neurodivergent, you may be burning the candle at both ends just to keep up with a world not designed for the way your brain works. It’s not a personal failing – it’s a mismatch between you and an environment full of constant demands and insufficient support. The result? Burnout that can hit faster and harder than in neurotypical folks.