Comments or feedback? Send us a text!

Autistic burnout has become one of the most important—and least understood—topics in autism research and clinical practice. Often mistaken for depression, anxiety, or simple exhaustion, it reflects a profound depletion of cognitive, emotional, and physical resources that can leave autistic individuals unable to function in ways they once could. Yet despite its prevalence, many clinicians still struggle to recognize it.

In this episode of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly speaks with psychotherapist and author Sharon O'Connor about her new book, Healing Autistic Burnout: A Neuroaffirming Guide for Connecting with Your Authentic Self, Restoring Your Energy, and Advocating for Your Needs (New Harbinger Publications). Written from both professional expertise and lived experience as an autistic clinician, the book offers a compassionate, neuroaffirming roadmap for understanding burnout, reconnecting with one's authentic self, restoring energy, and learning to advocate for personal needs.

Together, they explore what autistic burnout is, how it differs from depression and chronic fatigue, and why understanding the interaction between the nervous system, chronic masking, sensory overload, and environmental demands is essential to effective care. The conversation examines the neuroscience of burnout, the role of alexithymia, executive functioning, and predictive processing, as well as the long-term costs of masking autistic traits.

Sharon also discusses evidence-informed approaches to recovery, practical pacing strategies, common mistakes clinicians make in treatment, and how families, workplaces, schools, and society can better support autistic people before burnout develops. Whether you're an autistic person, a family member, educator, employer, or mental health professional, this episode offers a compassionate, scientifically grounded perspective on autistic burnout—and a practical guide to building a life that is more sustainable, authentic, and aligned with your own needs.

Guest: Sharon O'Connor, psychotherapist and author of Healing Autistic Burnout: A Neuroaffirming Guide for Connecting with Your Authentic Self, Restoring Your Energy, and Advocating for Your Needs (New Harbinger Publications).