Summary: Based on existing research and our clinical experience we suggest that autistic burnout is about demands and resources whereby autistic people enter burnout because for a long time the demands on them have extended the resources available to them. This study aims to explore temporality in autistic burnout through understanding the role of masking, anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, and broad neurodivergent profiles as risk factors of autistic burnout so to inform preventive and responsive treatments of autistic burnout.
Researchers: Áine McNicholas (DPsychSc clinical doctorate candidate, University of Galway) under the supervision of Dr Kiran Sarma (University of Galway), Dr Eoin Ryan (University of Galway), and Ms Jane Mantzalas
Who can participate?
Target participants will be males and females over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of ASD or self identify as autistic, and are currently experiencing autistic burnout.
What's Involved?
An international sample of autistic adults will be recruited via social media to complete a ten-minute questionnaire which will explore the impact of prevailing masking, pre-existing comorbidity and their association with depression and anxiety in autistic burnout by asking questions about their lived experiences of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Deadline to participate?
March 31st 2025
Contact information: Áine McNicholas: ainemcnicholas@hotmail.com or a.mcnicholas2@universityofgalway.ie. Dr Kiran Sarma: kiran.sarma@universityofgalway.ie
