A lived-experience perspective of dealing with autistic burnout: introducing the Social Presentation and Emotional Load model

Autistic burnout (AB) is gaining recognition as a complex and frequently misunderstood state, characterised by persistent exhaustion, reduced functioning, and increased sensitivity to sensory and emotional stimuli. This work offers a novel perspective, grounded in both lived-experience and psychological awareness, to advance understanding of AB beyond current clinical framings. Using autoethnographic reflection, I explore how the cumulative strain of masking, navigating neurotypical expectations, and managing continuous social and sensory demands contributes to burnout. Driven by experiential insights, the paper introduces the Social Presentation and Emotional Load model of AB: a conceptual tool designed to capture simply, the progressive nature of AB through five stages. The model provides people with autism a structured way of articulating and making sense of experiences, while equipping practitioners with a more contextually attuned lens for recognising and responding to autistic distress. Instead of pathologising burnout, this framing calls for systemic adjustments and compassionate recognition of diverse needs.