How Autistic Women Can Overcome Burnout and Live Joyful Lives with Carole Jean Whittington
- Jenny Adams
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
In this heart-opening chat, I (Jenny!) sit down with the incredible Carole Jean Whittington—an autistic ADHDer with a big brain and an even bigger heart—to dive deep into the messy, magical world of burnout, identity, and what it really takes to feel like yourself again.
We talk about the kind of burnout that isn’t just “I need a nap” tired—it’s the “who even am I anymore?” flavour. The kind that sneaks in through a lifetime of masking, micro-traumas, and pushing through when your nervous system’s quietly (or not-so-quietly) screaming “nope.”
Carole introduces her brilliant (and slightly cheeky) Spicy Scale for autistic burnout—from mild sizzle to full-on scorched—and we talk about:
💥 Why burnout in neurodivergent folks is often misunderstood (and can start way earlier than you'd think)
🌶️ How to tell if you’re stuck in the “restoration illusion” (aka pretending you’re fine when your body’s still fried)
💛 The massive importance of emotional safety (yes, even the invisible kind)
😶 What happens when we can’t name our emotions—and how alexithymia plays a role
🫁 The surprisingly powerful role of breath, nourishment, and nervous system regulation in real, sustainable recovery
👯♀️ And the absolute necessity of community when you’re trying to find your way back to yourself
This one’s full of personal stories, practical insights, and lots of gentle permission to not be “fine.”
Because healing isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about remembering who you really are underneath the burnout, the masking, and the hustle.
✨ Come listen if you’ve been feeling crispy, confused, or like you’re stuck in a loop you can’t logic your way out of. There’s hope. There’s support. And there’s a spiciness scale with your name on it.
Key Takeaways:
Carole Jean identifies as an autistic ADHD woman with co-occurring health conditions.
Autistic burnout can begin as early as age four and is often misunderstood.
Burnout for autistic individuals goes deeper than general fatigue; it can lead to a loss of skills.
The 'Spicy Scale' categorises levels of burnout from mild to severe.
Emotional safety is crucial for preventing and recovering from burnout.
Many autistic individuals experience micro traumas that accumulate over time.
Self-discovery requires energy and resources, which are often depleted in burnout.
The restoration illusion trap can mislead individuals into thinking they have recovered when they haven't.
Understanding one's neurodiversity is key to navigating life challenges.
Support and understanding from the community can aid in the healing process. Burnout
symptoms can manifest both internally and externally.
Recognizing early signs of burnout is crucial for prevention.
Emotional processing is essential for recovery from burnout.
Breathwork can be a powerful tool for managing stress.
Nourishment plays a key role in healing from burnout.
Support systems are vital for emotional well-being.
Alexithymia can hinder emotional expression and recognition.
Listening to your body is important for mental health.
There is hope for recovery from burnout, no matter how severe.
Community resources can aid in the healing process.
Skip ahead to what you need…
00:00 Introduction to Autistic Identity and Health Challenges
06:02 Understanding Autistic Burnout and Its Impact
12:06 The Spicy Scale of Burnout
17:52 Restoration Illusion Trap and Self-Discovery
23:45 Understanding Burnout Symptoms
29:07 Internal vs External Signs of Burnout
35:13 Processing Emotions and Seeking Support
39:57 Breath and Nourishment as Healing Tools
45:50 Resources for Recovery and Community Support
Connect with Jenny, Chronic Illness Coach:
DISCLAIMER: Everything mentioned in this podcast is only my/my guests’ opinion and should not be a substitute for seeing a medical professional. Please seek advice from your doctor and confirm with them that they are happy for you to implement something you heard on the podcast.
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