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Giancarlo Cristea

Neurodivergence-affirming psychotherapy. ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, PDA, OCD.

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Autistic burnout test (ABO)

The Autistic Burnout Observation is an 8-item self-check for autistic burnout: the chronic exhaustion that builds from masking, and from social and sensory demands that go beyond your capacity for too long. Its questions ask about recent depletion, withdrawal, reduced skills and the need to recover.

This is a self-check you can complete online in about three minutes, with an instant score and a plain-language interpretation. It reflects the intensity of recent experiences, not a diagnosis — a higher score signals that your resources are stretched and worth taking seriously.

Written from a neurodivergence-affirming stance: autistic burnout overlaps with depression but is distinct, and it eases with reduced demands and genuine sensory recovery rather than with pushing through. It is best distinguished from depression together with a therapist who understands neurodivergence.

  • 8 items, about 3 minutes, instant score and interpretation
  • Based on the ABO (Arnold et al., 2023; Bougoure et al., 2025)
  • Anonymous — nothing to sign up for
  • Screening for orientation only, not a clinical diagnosis

Related tools and reading

  • All screening tools
  • Energy & Pacing Monitor
  • CAT-Q — autistic camouflaging
  • What neuro-affirming therapy looks like
Arnold et al., 2023; Bougoure et al., 2025

ABO

Short version, 8 questions. It looks at autistic that builds up from chronic and from social or sensory demands beyond your current capacity. If you want a closer look, AB-M covers the same ground in 27 questions.

"What does this mean?" if a question is not clear, tap this under the question for a plain explanation.
"Not sure about my answer" if your answer is only an approximation, mark it. It does not change the score — it just shows me where we can come back together.
8 items -- ~2 min
Local-first - your data stays on device
0 / 80%
Keys 1-6 for quick answer
Rate each statement based on your experience over the past month.
1.It has become very draining to mask, "act appropriately", or try to blend in when I am with other people.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
2.I have been much more easily bothered by everyday sounds, lights, or textures than I used to be.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
3.I have generally had enough energy to do what I needed to get done.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
4.I have been able to handle most everyday sensory environments without much difficulty.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
5.I have been able to adequately take care of my responsibilities.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
6.I have felt much more withdrawn from social contact than is usual for me.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
7.I have felt emotionally exhausted in a way that goes beyond normal tiredness.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
8.I have felt like I am just going through the motions rather than truly living my life.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
0/8 answered -- 0%