Burnout and Neurodivergence: Understanding the signs, the research, and the recovery
A couple of years ago I hit a level of burnout that stopped me completely. At the time I was working as a senior nurse, supporting two neurodivergent children, running a household, and clearing the home of a close relative who had recently passed away. From the outside I looked organised and capable, but inside everything was collapsing. I was trying to be everything to everyone, but the weight of it all eventually became too much. My GP signed me off work and it took months before I even began to feel like myself again.
Burnout has affected me more than once in my life, and I see the same pattern in many of the women I work with. It is not a weakness or a lack of resilience, it is a full system shutdown that happens when the demands on a person consistently outweigh their available resources.
Burnout is now recognised as a significant issue, yet for neurodivergent adults it often presents differently and hits harder.
Burnout is more common among neurodivergent adults
Emerging research shows that neurodivergent adults experience burnout more frequently than neurotypical peers. One large UK survey reported that half of neurodivergent employees felt burnt out, compared with 38 percent of neurotypical workers (WTW, 2023). Another study of 800 neurodivergent workers found that more than 40 percent were already experiencing burnout, and many had taken time off because of it (Our Community, 2024).
These figures are based on workplace surveys rather than large scale clinical studies, but the pattern is clear and consistent.
Neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD and autism, often use more cognitive and emotional energy to manage daily life. Executive function demands, sensory input, masking, relationships, and expectations all accumulate. Without adequate support the strain becomes overwhelming.
Autistic burnout is a recognised phenomenon
Within the autistic community, burnout has been recognised and described in detail. Research identifies autistic burnout as profound exhaustion, reduced tolerance to stimulus, and, in some cases, temporary loss of skills (Raymaker et al., 2020). It is linked with chronic stress and a long term mismatch between demands and available support.
The National Autistic Society highlights that autistic burnout is often misunderstood because the outward signs may not align with traditional workplace burnout (National Autistic Society, 2023). It can affect every part of a person’s life, not just their job.
Although this area has stronger research attention than ADHD related burnout, most published studies are small and qualitative. Large scale prevalence data does not yet exist.
Women, ADHD, and burnout: strong indicators but limited data
For women with ADHD the picture becomes even more layered. Clinical experience and emerging literature highlight several factors contributing to burnout risk, including:
masking and camouflaging (Hull et al., 2020)
late or missed diagnosis
emotional regulation challenges
hormonal fluctuations including perimenopause and menopause (NICE, 2024)
caregiver responsibilities
high internal and external expectations
perfectionism
chronic stress
Many women spend years compensating for ADHD traits without understanding why things feel harder for them than for others. They often achieve highly, at a cost, until the system can no longer cope.
However, despite strong clinical theory, there are no large scale studies specifically measuring burnout prevalence in women with ADHD. This gap highlights the wider issue of underrepresentation of women in neurodevelopmental research (Nadeau, 2020).
How long does recovery take?
Recovery from burnout varies from person to person. In general burnout research, recovery is often estimated to take several months. However, autistic and ADHD related burnout can take significantly longer to recover from.
Qualitative research suggests that recovery may take months or even years when the stress has been long term, when masking has been intense, or when emotional and sensory load has been high over extended periods (Raymaker et al., 2020). There is no established timeline in large scale studies because such studies have not yet been conducted.
This uncertainty adds to the frustration many neurodivergent adults feel. Burnout is not simply a period of being tired. It is a complete depletion of emotional, cognitive, and physical reserves.
What recovery can look like for neurodivergent adults and women
Recovery from burnout is rarely quick or linear. For neurodivergent adults it often involves intentionally reducing demands, rebuilding capacity, and learning how to live in a way that does not overwhelm the nervous system.
Recovery may include:
reducing demands wherever possible, including home, work, and social expectations
prioritising rest, not just sleep but emotional, cognitive, and sensory rest
setting clearer boundaries and learning to say no without guilt
unmasking where safe, reducing the cognitive effort of performing
slowing down routines to allow for fluctuations in energy and focus
accepting help, even when that feels uncomfortable
exploring hormonal influences, particularly during perimenopause and menopause (NICE, 2024)
using supportive structures, such as coaching, therapy, planning systems, or workplace adjustments
reconnecting with interests, starting small and gently
reassessing expectations, especially perfectionism, people pleasing, and chronic over responsibility
Recovery often means creating a more sustainable way of operating rather than returning to previous levels of output. Progress happens slowly and often in cycles, with periods of improvement followed by setbacks. This is normal and part of the process.
Women may face additional layers due to masking, caregiving roles, and hormonal changes, making recovery a deeper and sometimes longer journey.
Why this matters
Even though the evidence base has gaps, the emerging research points to a consistent pattern:
burnout is more common among neurodivergent adults
women appear to be particularly affected
recovery can take longer
masking, perfectionism, and chronic stress all increase risk
support systems often do not meet neurodivergent needs
This aligns strongly with lived experience and the patterns seen in coaching and support settings.
What are your thoughts?
Does any of this resonate with your experience?
Have you lived through burnout yourself or seen it in someone close to you?
What helped your recovery or what support do you wish you had at the time?
References
Hull, L., Petrides, K. V. and Mandy, W. (2020) ‘The female autism phenotype and camouflaging’, Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 7(4), pp. 306–317.
Nadeau, K. (2020) Understanding Women with ADHD. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
National Autistic Society (2023) Autistic Burnout Guidance. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk
NICE (2024) Menopause: diagnosis and management (NG23). London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Our Community (2024) Burnout Risk for Neurodivergent Workers Report. Available at: https://www.communitydirectors.com.au
Raymaker, D. M. et al. (2020) ‘Having a hard time is not unique to autistic people but the cause is: a qualitative analysis of autistic burnout’, Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), pp. 132–143.
WTW (2023) Global Benefits Attitude Survey. Available at:https://www.wtwco.com