ABO
Autistic Burnout Construct
Updated: 1/7/2026
1. What the ABO is (and what it isn’t)
The Autistic Burnout Construct (ABO) is a brief, self-report screening tool designed to help you check for current signs of autistic burnout, based on your experience over the past month. It focuses on burnout-related patterns like deep exhaustion, masking fatigue, cognitive strain, increased sensory sensitivity, and reduced functioning.
It’s not a diagnosis. A high score doesn’t “prove” burnout, and a lower score doesn’t mean you’re fine. It’s a structured way to name what’s happening and decide on next steps - especially if you’ve been pushing through for a long time.
Defining burnout: autistic burnout is often described as stemming from chronic life stress and a mismatch between expectations and supports, and is commonly characterized by long-term exhaustion, loss of function/skills, and reduced tolerance to sensory input.
2. Who is the ABO for?
The ABO is most helpful for autistic adults and older teens who want a quick view of whether what they’re experiencing fits an autistic-burnout pattern - especially if you’re noticing things like:
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“My capacity is gone.” (even for basic tasks)
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needing more recovery time or “sanctuary” environments to feel okay
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increased sensory sensitivity or irritability compared to your baseline
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feeling like masking/camouflaging has become unsustainable
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It can still be useful whether you’re formally diagnosed or self-identified because, at the end of the day, burnout is about your individual experience.
3. What to expect when taking the ABO
Most people complete the ABO in 2–5 minutes.
You’ll respond to 8 statements by choosing how strongly you agree or disagree. The key is to answer based on (as much as possible) your real baseline - not how you feel on a “good day,” and not how you feel when you’re at maximum effort.
If you’re thinking, “I can do it, but it takes everything I have,” that counts. Burnout isn’t only about what you can do - it’s also about what it costs your nervous system to do it.
4. Understanding your score
The ABO uses a higher score = more burnout construct, with a total possible score 48 (6 points per statement).
Scoring guide:
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Below 32: autistic burnout less likely right now
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32 and above: autistic burnout is more likely right now
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One important note: the definition of autistic burnout can vary, but a common theme is a pervasive and long-term (often 3+ months) impact - so if your “past month” answers are high and have been for months, that’s a strong signal to look for support.
5. Next steps
If your score is below the threshold (or “not likely”)
You might still be struggling - just not in a classic burnout profile right now. Consider:
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tracking what changes your capacity (sleep, workload, sensory demands, social load, transitions)
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checking for other drivers that can mimic burnout (depression, anxiety, chronic illness flare-ups, medication side effects)
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making small, sustainable changes now (more recovery time, fewer “hidden demands,” clearer boundaries)
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If your score suggests burnout is likely (32+)
Treat this like a capacity alarm, not a personal failure.
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Reduce load first. Burnout recovery usually starts with lowering demands, not adding more “shoulds.”
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Add accommodations/supports. Sensory protection, flexible scheduling, fewer transitions, fewer high-mask environments, more predictability.
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Name the “cost centers.” What drains you most: masking, social performance, sensory overwhelm, decision fatigue, constant urgency?
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Get neurodivergent-affirming support. Burnout often overlaps with (and can be mistaken for) depression, but the treatment approaches can be vary significantly. It's essential to know the difference.
6. Additional Resources
If you are interested in further support, learn more about the expertise available here at ScienceWorks!
Our unique care model spans three essential domains to function as a “one-stop-shop” for mental health.
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Assessments: Understand yourself and your treatment better with assessments for ADHD, autism, and general diagnostics. Our custom packages are efficient and affordable.
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Therapy: Dynamic, evidence-based treatments for a wide range of conditions – get an individualized treatment plan with targeted therapies adapted for your brain and your objectives to support the whole person.
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Coaching: Understand your neurotype and enhance treatment outcomes by turning therapeutic concepts into everyday skills to maximize their benefits.
Note: Screeners cannot be used to diagnose or treat any mental health condition - nor can they be used to replace dedicated care from a qualified professional. They can be a helpful tool when searching for, or working with, a professional. If you have questions about applicability, please contact us!