ADHD and Autistic Burnout: Understanding the Difference
ADHD burnout typically refers to the exhaustion and mental fatigue in individuals with ADHD. This is primarily due to the constant effort to manage the symptoms of the disorder.
Patients with autism, can also experience burnout. These are called autistic burnouts and they relate to a state of physical and mental fatigue, loss of skills and reduced tolerance to stimuli.
The main difference between autistic and ADHD burnout is that ADHD burnout is triggered by the effort to stay focused, while autistic burnout is typically caused by overstimulation and the constant need to adapt to neurotypical norms.
What Is Autism?
Autism, sometimes also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions[1, 2, 3, 4]
Autism has an early onset and involves heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Typically, these conditions are characterized by restricted and repetitive interests or patterns of behavior.
In autistic individuals, we often observe differences and problems with communication and social interaction [3, 4]. The symptoms can differ from individual to individual and also in their severity [2, 5]
The condition affects individuals around the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or economic background [3, 4]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that ASD is present in 1 in every 54 children and that it is more prevalent in boys than girls [1, 3, 4]. The condition has a large genetic component responsible for around 90% of all cases. However, environmental factors also play a role in the development of autism [3, 4].
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. However, some people don't get diagnosed with ADHD until they are adults [6].
The hallmarks of ADHD are persistent hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Such, can result in problems with educational achievements and also with social development [7, 8].
People with ADHD have difficulties with focusing their attention on a single task, they also have problems with sitting still for longer. In social interactions with their friends, they may act impulsively. This can make it difficult for them to perform well in school, work, or in other activities as well [9, 8]. It can also increase the risk of experiencing comorbid psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders [10].
ADHD is fairly common, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 8.8% of US children have ADHD diagnosis and The Americal Psychiatric Association estimated 2.5% of the adults to have ADHD [8].
What Is The Difference Between Autistic Burnout And ADHD Burnout?
Autistic burnout and ADHD burnout, are burnouts that result from two different conditions. However, they share some similarities.
Typically, autistic burnout is characterized by exhaustion, problems with thinking clearly, reduced daily living skills and we can also notice signs of withdrawal. It leads to an increase in the manifestation of an exaggeration of autistic traits [11]. This is often caused by the stress of living in a world that often oversees autistic needs [11].
On the other hand, people with ADHD burnout show deficits in executive function, problems with self-management with respect to time, and also problems with organizing their responsibilities. ADHD burnout is often manifested through emotional exhaustion, cognitive weariness, and physical fatigue [12].
It's important to note that while both conditions involve exhaustion and cognitive difficulties, the triggers and manifestations are different. Autistic burnout is more related to the stress of living in a world that doesn't accommodate their needs, while ADHD burnout is more related to the challenges of managing time and solving problems in a work environment.
Previously in our blog, we explained the differences between ADHD meltdown and autistic meltdown. So if you are interested in this topic, give it a read!