Burnout

💥 What Is Burnout?

For Autistic, ADHD, and Neurodivergent Children

Burnout isn’t just being tired 😴 — it’s when your whole body and brain feel completely overwhelmed and worn out. It happens when you’ve had to keep going for too long without enough rest, support, or understanding.

Lots of neurodivergent children (especially autistic and ADHD children) experience burnout when the world expects too much, too fast, for too long.

🔍 What Does Burnout Look Like?

Every child is different, but burnout can look like:

• 🧱 Shutting down — going quiet, hiding, or zoning out

• 😭 More meltdowns or emotional overload

• 💔 Not enjoying things you usually love

• 😐 Feeling numb, flat, or disconnected

• 🤒 Headaches, stomach aches, or just feeling “off”

• 🚫 Saying “no” to school or everyday things

• 😰 Big anxiety or fear over small things

Sometimes adults think this is “bad behaviour” — but it’s not. It’s your body asking for help.

🧠 Why Does Burnout Happen?

Burnout often builds up over time when kids feel they have to:

• 😶 Mask: Pretend they’re okay when they’re not

• 🔊 Cope with too much noise, light, or busy places

• 📚 Try to learn in a way that doesn’t suit them

• 💬 Hide stims, needs, or feelings to fit in

• 🏃‍♂️ Keep going without enough quiet, calm breaks

• 😓 Meet expectations that don’t match their needs

🛟 What Helps?

Burnout is not your fault. You don’t need to try harder — you need to feel safe, seen, and supported. Here’s what can help:

• 🌈 Lowering demands — less pressure and fewer “musts”

• 🧸 Rest and calm time — not as a reward, but as a right

• 🎧 Sensory support — quiet spaces, headphones, breaks

• 🗣️ Listening and believing how you feel

• 🫂 Adults who help you feel safe being your real self

• 🛑 Pressing pause on anything that’s too much right now

💬 One Last Thing

If you’re feeling burnt out, you’re not broken. You’re doing your best in a world that often forgets to meet you halfway.

You deserve support that fits you — not the other way around.