Professional burnout and autism overwhelm are both types of burnout that can have negative consequences on a person’s life, but they have different causes and symptoms.

Emily sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. The demands of her job had piled up, and with each passing day, she felt more detached and exhausted. Long hours and constant pressure left her feeling cynical and drained, a classic case of professional burnout. Friends noticed her irritability, and she struggled to find motivation, often waking with headaches from the stress.

Meanwhile, Sam, an Autistic man, found himself in a bustling café, overwhelmed by the bright lights and loud chatter. The noise and social interactions became too much, sending him into a state of panic. His heart raced, and he felt trapped, unable to articulate his distress. In moments like this, he often experienced shutdowns, withdrawing completely to regain his composure.

Emily’s burnout had built over months, requiring her to set boundaries and seek support from her colleagues and friends. She learned the importance of self-care and even considered a job change to reclaim her sense of purpose. On the other hand, Sam’s overwhelm struck suddenly; a few deep breaths and a quick retreat to a quiet space helped him regain his balance. He often relied on fidget toys and structured routines to manage his sensory needs.

Both Emily and Sam faced unique challenges, each impacting their daily lives and relationships. Emily’s burnout affected her job performance and personal life, while Sam’s overwhelm made social situations daunting. Recognizing their experiences as distinct yet valid allowed them to seek the right support and coping strategies, paving the way for healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Research about Autistic Burnout:

Mantzalas, J., Richdale, A. L., Li, X., & Dissanayake, C. (2024). Measuring and validating autistic burnout. Autism Research.

Vinayagam, R., Tanner, C., Harley, D., Karatela, S., & Brooker, K. (2024). “My Autism is Linked with Everything”: at the Crossroads of Autism and Diabetes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(8), 3122-3132.

Guastello, A. D., Brunson, J. C., Sambuco, N., Dale, L. P., Tracy, N. A., Allen, B. R., & Mathews, C. A. (2024). Predictors of professional burnout and fulfilment in a longitudinal analysis on nurses and healthcare workers in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 33(1), 288-303.

Research about burnout separates burnout from overwhelm. Professionals will burn out from challenges at the workplace, such as an unrealistic workload, uninspiring work, or lack of support. Autistic burnout is caused by the long-term stress of living and working in a neurotypical world, which can include sensory overload, social stressors, and life stress.
Professional burnout can cause chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, anger, isolation, irritability, and depression. Autistic burnout can cause sensory overload and sensitivity, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm, discomfort, and even physical pain.
Professional burnout can lead to increased sick days, loss of productivity, and strain on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Autistic burnout can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Autistic burnout can lead to loss of previously acquired skills and greater difficulties in social interactions, which require specific strategies for management and recovery.