Is it Depression or Autistic Burnout? Why CBT Fails

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Late-Identified Autism, Autistic Burnout, and Self-CareClinical psychologist Dr. Megan Anna Neff discusses how discovering her child was autistic near the end of her doctorate led her to research autism in girls, recognize her own autism, and create Neurodivergent Insights to translate peer-reviewed research into visuals. She and the host describe gaps in clinical training, frequent missed or misdiagnosed autism and ADHD in adults, limited access to adult assessment, and the value and risks of formal diagnosis. Neff explains autistic burnout as nervous-system burnout marked by chronic exhaustion, increased sensory sensitivity and meltdowns, and loss of skills, and notes masking, life transitions, and alexithymia as contributors while cautioning to rule out medical causes. They address overlaps with chronic pain, suicidality risk, and poor response to CBT when neurotype is unsupported. Neff outlines her book "Self-Care for Autistic People" (sensory, physical, emotional, mental, social, and professional self-care) and shares where to find her work and community.00:00 Meet Dr Megan Neff01:32 The Zigzag Into Autism04:16 Health Psychology Roots05:14 Training Gaps In Adults08:32 Self Diagnosis And Screening13:01 What Is Autistic Burnout17:07 Misdiagnosis And Function21:38 Burnout Versus Medical Causes24:30 Triggers And Risk Factors27:21 Why Burnout Builds28:57 Sensory Safety First31:37 Quick Fix Coping Traps34:15 Screening and Misdiagnosis38:03 Liberation Then Grief40:39 Autistic Self Care Basics44:20 Book Chapters and Tips48:47 Advice for Three Groups52:59 Resources and FarewellClick here for the YouTube Channel  Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  Support the showWhen I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope.  If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...