Understanding Autistic Burnout: The Role of Sensory Processing Differences and Implications for Clinical Practice
Understanding Autistic Burnout: The Role of Sensory Processing Differences and Implications for Clinical Practice
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Issue Date
2025-12-12
Authors
Crawshaw, Caitlin
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Abstract
While the term 'autistic burnout' has long circulated in autistic communities, academic research on autistic burnout is nascent, and there is little empirical research on its etiology, symptomology, or recovery. This capstone study examines how a core diagnostic category of autism, sensory processing differences, may play a role in the development of and recovery from autistic burnout. Guided by the Social and Relational Model of Disability, this paper integrates a thematic analysis of recent studies to uncover patterns in sensory-related stress and coping strategies among autistic adults. Findings suggest that sensory processing differences, particularly hypersensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, are both risk factors and symptoms of autistic burnout. Masking or camouflaging—the practice of concealing autistic traits to adapt to neurotypical society—likely exacerbates sensory stress and mediates the development of autistic burnout. Unmet support needs further compound the problem. Clinically, this study underscores the need for sensory-informed psychotherapeutic interventions and societal recognition of autistic burnout as a serious mental health issue. The paper provides recommendations for clinical identification and treatment of autistic burnout, and future research to address this overlooked aspect of neurodivergent mental health.
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Keywords
autistic burnout , sensory processing differences , neurodivergent mental health , adult autism
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess