What does autistic burnout actually feel like—and more importantly, how do you begin to recover from it? In this episode of Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness, I sit down with autistic therapist, coach, and author Sharon O'Connor to talk about one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences in the autistic community. We explore how autistic burnout differs from depression and everyday stress, why so many autistic adults stay burned out for years without realizing it, and what genuine recovery can look like.

Sharon also shares insights from her book, Healing Autistic Burnout (https://tinyurl.com/ahd6u9tz), including practical ideas for reconnecting with yourself, reducing the impact of masking, advocating for your needs, and creating a life that's actually sustainable.

Whether you're currently experiencing burnout, wondering if you've been living in survival mode, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers understanding, hope, and practical next steps.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Have you spent much of your life feeling different from other people without really understanding why? If so, this episode of the Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast is for you! Dr. Quarto explores how the experience of feeling different can develop from childhood through adulthood, how masking can become one way of adapting, and how discovering you’re autistic can help you look at yourself and your past through a different lens. Most importantly, he discusses how understanding your differences can help you move away from asking, “Why can’t I be more like everybody else?” and toward a much more useful question: “What actually works for me?”

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  It’s finally done!!  The title of the course is “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” and while it's designed for newly diagnosed autistic folks any autistic person will benefit from the content and experiences. Shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail to learn more about the course: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Can you really tell if someone is autistic just by looking at them? In this final Autism Myth Courtroom episode, Dr. Christopher Quarto puts one last myth on trial. Discover why autism doesn't have a single "look," how masking can hide autistic traits for years, and why curiosity is a better guide than assumptions.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. The next course starts the week of 8/31/26.  To enroll or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Do autistic people really prefer to be alone, or is that another common misconception about autism? Join psychologist Christopher Quarto for the fourth episode of the Autism Myth Courtroom series on the Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast. Dr. Quarto explores why many autistic adults spend more time in solitude, examines the important difference between choosing to be alone and needing time to recover, and explains why observing someone's behavior doesn't necessarily reveal their motivation. Along the way, he discusses social energy, decompression, loneliness versus solitude, masking, and why curiosity often leads to a deeper understanding than assumptions.

* The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. THE NEXT CLASS STARTS THE WEEK OF 8/31/26! To learn more about the course and/or register shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Special pricing if you make an appointment no later than 7/15/26!  Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Is autism really a childhood disorder, or is that one of the most common misconceptions about autism? Join psychologist Christopher Quarto for the third episode of the Autism Myth Courtroom series on the Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast. Dr. Quarto examines why autism has historically been viewed as a condition affecting children, how that belief developed, and why many autistic adults were overlooked for years. Along the way, he explores topics such as late autism diagnosis, changing diagnostic criteria, masking, why autistic characteristics often look different across the lifespan, and why receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can finally help make sense of a lifetime of experiences.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Join psychologist Christopher Quarto, Ph.D. for the second installment of the “Autism Myth Courtroom” series on the “Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness” podcast. Dr. Quarto examines the common belief that autism has become so widespread that it must be overdiagnosed and explores why autism diagnoses have increased dramatically in recent decades. Along the way, he discusses how our understanding of autism has evolved, why many autistic adults were overlooked for years, the role of masking, increasing recognition among women and other previously missed groups, and whether rising diagnosis rates reflect a true increase in autism or simply a better ability to identify people who have been autistic all along.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Do autistic people really lack empathy, or is this one of the most misunderstood aspects of autism? Join psychologist Christopher Quarto, Ph.D. for the first episode of the new “Autism Myth Courtroom” series on the “Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness” podcast. Dr. Quarto examines where the myth that autistic people lack empathy came from, why it persists, and what autistic adults frequently describe about their own emotional experiences. Along the way, he explores topics such as emotional expression, problem-solving versus validation, the Double Empathy Problem, and why caring deeply can sometimes be mistaken for not caring at all.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

Join psychologists Rebecca Martinez, Ph.D. and Christopher Quarto, Ph.D. on this episode of the “Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness” podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at the autism evaluation process and the factors psychologists consider when determining whether someone may be autistic. They discuss topics such as masking, patterns that emerge during assessments, and what newly diagnosed autistic adults may want to consider as they begin making sense of their diagnosis and moving forward.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the “Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness” podcast, Dr. Quarto poses a question that lingers in the minds of many folks who self-identify as autistic: “What if I get evaluated and find out I’m not autistic?” Find out the answer to that question on this episode of the podcast!

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses-books)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the “Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness” podcast, Dr. Quarto explores how autistic adults experience romance, intimacy, and sexuality through a neuroaffirming lens, offering research-backed insights and practical strategies for building emotionally safe, authentic relationships.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who evaluates adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” is designed to help newly diagnosed & self-diagnosed autistic adults understand their identity, reduce masking, build practical communication and self-regulation skills, and create a life that aligns with their values, energy, and nervous system. To get on the waitlist or learn more about the course shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail ([email protected]) or check out his website: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vei1_a4fRjCLw_ytcD31KpFxKt7mD0_j/view?usp=sharing)

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/