ADHD & Burnout

Spotting the physical signs

Burnout can present in many different ways, and it’s so important to be informed of the different characteristics so you are able to support your child from the off-set and prevent further challenges. Key characteristics can include:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Increased sensory sensitivity
• Frequent headaches, muscle tension and aches
• Digestive issues
• Sleep issues
• Outward behavioural responses
• School attendance problems

Identifying the cognitive signs

As well as physical signs, burnout often presents with cognitive indicators that are noticeable changes or difficulties with mental processes such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, learning and problem solving. Some of the key characteristics of cognitive signs can include:

• Emotional outburst or emotional numbness
• Increased irritability or frustration
• Decreased motivation
• Trouble concentrations, forgetfulness and brain fog
• Feeling disconnected or isolated

As many of these signs might not be as easy to physically identify with your child, be sure to ask them if they are feeling any of the above to help them understand and label how they might be thinking or feeling.

Spotting the behavioural signs

Behavioural changes can be a key indicator of burnout, particularly behaviours which are considered out of the ordinary for your child. Some key behavioural characteristics of burnout can include:

• Withdrawal from social activities or responsbility
• Functional language
• Negative, hostile or oppositional behaviours
• A decline in personal hygiene or self-care
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

Understanding external causes that can be triggers

There are several external factors that can contribute to mental and physical exhaustion. Sensory overload, such as exposure to bright lights, strong smells, or uncomfortable textures, can be particularly overwhelming. Environmental demands, like constant expectations from others or being required to sit still for long periods in settings like classrooms or church, can also contribute to burnout. Social challenges, including difficulty reading cues or sustaining conversations, can lead to significant emotional drain, especially for those who find social interactions taxing. For young people in particular, academic pressures add another layer of stress. Struggles with time management, homework demands, and difficulties with focus, often linked to executive dysfunction, can compound feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion.

Understanding the internal causes of burnout

Burnout can also start from within, especially for our neurodivergent children. As we know, children can mask or camouflage their feelings all day in school, which can lead to intense emotional and mental fatigue. If our children experience emotional dysregulation, this can also contribute to feelings of burnout due to the levels of emotional exhaustion. Difficulty in transitions is another contributing factor, as sudden changes in routine or unexpected demands can be overwhelming, particularly for autistic and ADHD children.

Executive functioning fatigue

Executive function challenges can play a huge part in neurodivergent burnout. From frequent transitions and managing multiple demands, to the mental effort required to organise, plan and complete daily tasks, this can become overwhelming and can lead to decreased functionality. Particularly considering the executive functioning demands of children, balancing schoolwork, social and personal responsibilities without adequate support creates a high-risk environment for burnout.

Top tips for reducing demands to help navigate burnout

One of the best ways we can support children with burnout is to reduce the demands and expectations we are putting on them. Some of the best, most practical ways we can do this, are:

• Avoid or amend emotionally proactive situations
• Limit social interaction during burnout
• Encourage routine: predictability helps reduce anxiety and create a sense of control
• Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• External reminders: visuals, alarms, reminders or apps
• Schedule regular breaks throughout the day

How to support sensory regulation in relation to burnout

Sensory management techniques such as reducing exposure to sensory overload by creating a calm, quiet environment, can greatly impact a child experiencing burnout. For example, using noise-cancelling headphones, soft lighting or fidget tools. Have a toolkit of sensory regulation techniques, such as crunchy snacks, cold drinks, weighted blankets and sensory toys can help to keep your child calm, in control and regulated.

Lisa Rudge, Director of Parent Services from The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, explains the meaning of ADHD burnout, how to identify the key signs in children, and provides supportive strategies to help prevent or reduce its effects.

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