Weekly Wednesday Webinar Series
Autism Acceptance in Action:
Real Tools for Real Life
Week 2: April 9, 2026
Recognizing and Recovering from Autistic Burnout
CE CREDIT
Add entire series for $125.
Recording Available
1 Hour Session
(Optional purchase)
$35
Introductory
Target Audience
What you'll gain...
Knowledge
Understanding
Tools
Course Information
Course References
Ali, D., Bougoure, M., Cooper, B., Quinton, A. M. G., Tan, D., Brett, J., Mandy, W., Maybery, M., Magiati, I., & Happé, F. (2025). Burnout as experienced by autistic people: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2025.102669
Bougoure, M., Zhuang, S., Brett, J. D., Maybery, M. T., English, M. C., Tan, D. W., & Magiati, I. (2025). Measuring autistic burnout: A psychometric validation of the AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure in autistic adults. Autism, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251355255
Jahandideh, P., Seyedmirzaei, H., Rasoulian, P., & Memari, A. (2025). Low Battery Alarm; A Scoping Review of Autistic Burnout. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06860-6
Mantzalas, J., Richdale, A. L., Adikari, A., Lowe, J., & Dissanayake, C. (2021). What Is Autistic Burnout? A Thematic Analysis of Posts on Two Online Platforms. Autism in Adulthood, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2021.0021
APA Continuing Education Information
Course Outline
0:00 – 0:05 (5 min) — Introduction & Orientation
- Presenter introduction, credentials, and disclosures
- Review of learning objectives
- Overview of session structure
0:05 – 0:15 (10 min) — Defining Autistic Burnout
- Definition of autistic burnout
- Key features: exhaustion, reduced functioning, increased sensitivity
- Differentiation from depression and occupational burnout
0:15 – 0:30 (15 min) — Contributing Factors
- Masking and camouflaging
- Sensory overload
- Chronic environmental mismatch
- Cumulative stress and demand-capacity imbalance
0:30 – 0:45 (15 min) — First Person Case Application
- Presentation of real-life scenario
- Identification of burnout vs. misdiagnosis
- Risks of misinterpretation
0:45 – 0:55 (10 min) — Recovery & Prevention Strategies
- Reducing demands and expectations
- Sensory regulation and environmental adjustments
- Supporting autonomy and pacing
0:55 – 1:00 (5 min) — Summary & Closing
- Review of key concepts
- Revisit learning objectives
- Final reflection: One actionable change
Maleita Olson, LCSW, NADD-CC
Maleita Olson, LCSW, is a co-founder and former executive director of Spectra Support Services, LLC. She is a licensed clinical social worker in PA. During Maleita’s 30 plus year career, she has worked for in community-based, institutional, government and medical settings, with a primary focus on serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Timothy Olson, BS
Timothy Olson is an autistic adult, neurodiverse public speaker, and advocate focused on mental health awareness and the recognition of neurodiversity. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age five, he received support throughout his schooling for his giftedness, autism, and ADHD, and went on to earn a degree in Physics from Elon University.
Since 2019, Tim has represented autism advocates on panels at his university and at local conferences, including Next Steps Into Adulthood hosted by the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He currently works as a peer mentor supporting young adults with Autism and/or intellectual disabilities with significant support needs, blending lived experience with professional insight from his work as a Direct Support Professional.
In addition to his advocacy, Tim is an emerging environmental professional with a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. He is passionate about public transportation and the environment, and enjoys cycling, music, and performing as a member of a local acapella group in the greater Philadelphia area.