Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in autistic experience and mental health, particularly in children and teens. In this episode, Jodie talks about the signs and causes of autistic burnout, how it’s often misunderstood or missed altogether, and what meaningful support really looks like. This is an essential conversation for anyone supporting autistic kids—grounded, validating, and full of important shifts in how we understand and respond to burnout.
About Jodie Clarke
Jodie Clarke is an autistic and ADHD professional with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in autistic experience and mental health with a focus on children and young people . She is currently completing a PhD exploring autistic burnout in children and young people. Jodie is also a parent to 3 neurodivergent children of her own.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Jodie Clarke’s personal journey into neurodivergence shapes her advocacy around autism and burnout
Why masking plays such a significant role in autistic burnout for children and teens
How autistic burnout shows up in young people and the signs parents can learn to recognize
Why lowering demands and creating safe, low-pressure environments is essential for recovery
How societal and family expectations can contribute to burnout and delay healing
Why supporting recovery involves trusting parental intuition, unlearning conditioning, and helping kids reconnect with their authentic selves
Resources mentioned
Jodie Clarke’s website
Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting the Recovery of Autistic Burnout in Children and Young People by Jodie Clarke
Young, Autistic, and Burned Out by Jodie Clarke
Luke Beardon at Sheffield Hallam University
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