Introduction In this episode, we respond to listener questions in a curious conversation about autistic burnout, hormones, and why life can sometimes feel overwhelming. We explore themes that have come up again and again from listeners, including special interests, burnout, healthcare experiences, and navigating friendships and communication. Episode Overview We talk about special interests and what they actually feel like from the inside, moving beyond stereotypes to understand how they can offer joy, regulation, safety, and recovery. We explore autistic burnout, drawing on research by Dora Raymaker and colleagues, and reflect on how burnout is often experienced as deep exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to sensory input. We also discuss hormones, including PMDD, and the impact of perimenopause and menopause on autistic and ADHD experiences. We reflect on how hormonal transitions can be a time when many women begin to understand themselves differently, and the importance of recognising that this is still an under researched area. We think about why medical and dental environments can feel overwhelming, and how sensory and environmental factors can impact access to healthcare. We discuss the Double Empathy Problem, developed by Dr Damian Milton, which reframes social differences as a two way process of misunderstanding rather than a deficit within autistic people. This episode touches on autism, ADHD, autistic burnout, masking, menopause, perimenopause, PMDD, late diagnosis, sensory sensitivity, and communication differences, and is rooted in both lived experience and professional reflection. Links and Resources Dora Raymaker et al. (2020) – Autistic Burnout https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2019.0079 APA summary of autistic burnout research https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/infusing-diversity/mental-physical-health/research-summary-autistic-burnout Dr Damian Milton – Double Empathy Problem https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/double-empathy Dr Luke Beardon – What Works for Autistic Adults https://www.sheldonpress.co.uk/titles/luke-beardon/what-works-for-autistic-adults/9781399804646/ Dr Louise Newson – Newson Health https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk The PMDD Project https://www.thepmddproject.org The Knowledge – Dr Nighat Arif https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455/455116/the-knowledge/9780241550557 Further Reflections This episode is a conversation, not a conclusion. We’re aware that research into autism, ADHD, hormones, and late identification in women is still developing. Many of the experiences we talk about are only just beginning to be recognised and understood. If you find yourself relating to parts of this conversation, you’re not alone. Connect with Us Instagram: @twicetranslatedpod Website: www.twicetranslated.co.uk Catherine: www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk Carolyn: www.respecttherapy.com Instagram: @ck_therapy | @respecttherapy A Gentle Note This podcast is a personal, reflective conversation between two friends, one autistic and one neurotypical. It won’t reflect everyone’s experience and is not intended as clinical advice. All music used in this podcast is produced & licensed through Mark Kniveton.
