🧠 Neurodivergent Burnout: More Than Just Feeling Tired

Everyone feels tired or overwhelmed sometimes. But burnout for neurodivergent individuals can look and feel very different — and it often goes unrecognised.

At NEST, we often hear from people who are experiencing deep exhaustion, emotional shutdowns, and increasing difficulty managing everyday tasks. This isn’t laziness or a lack of motivation — it’s burnout. And it’s real.

💡 What is Neurodivergent Burnout?

Neurodivergent burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional fatigue caused by the cumulative stress of navigating a world not designed for your brain.

It can affect autistic people, ADHDers, and others with neurodevelopmental differences — especially those who feel they must mask their true selves in social, school, or work settings.

🔁 What Does It Look Like?

Burnout can show up differently for everyone, but common signs include:

• Feeling emotionally numb or shut down

• Difficulty doing tasks that used to feel manageable

• Increased sensitivity to sensory input (noise, lights, touch)

• Needing more time alone to recover

• Struggling to communicate or connect with others

• Loss of skills or coping strategies that usually help

• Physical exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest

  
  

🧩 Why Does It Happen?

Neurodivergent people often work incredibly hard to “fit in,” keep up, or hide the things that make them different. This constant pressure can lead to burnout — especially when there’s little time to rest or be authentically themselves.

It can be worsened by:

• Sensory overload

• Social masking

• Unmet support needs

• Chronic stress or change in routine

• Lack of understanding or acceptance

  
  

🌱 What Helps?

Burnout recovery looks different for everyone, but here are a few key supports that can make a big difference:

✅ Rest without guilt – You are not lazy. You are healing.

✅ Reduce demands – Let go of non-essentials and simplify routines.

✅ Create safe space – Seek out people and environments where you can be yourself.

✅ Sensory regulation – Find calming tools, fidget items, or quiet zones that help.

✅ Ask for help – If you can, speak to someone you trust or a support service like NEST.

Most importantly — know that you are not alone, and this feeling won’t last forever.

💬 We’re Here to Help

At NEST, we understand how difficult burnout can be. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just starting to notice signs, you deserve support.

💙 Let’s talk about it — openly, honestly, and without shame.