Rediscovering Life After Neurodivergent Burnout

Rediscovering Life After Neurodivergent Burnout

Overview

A man in his 40s working as a commercial planner was referred by his employer after experiencing prolonged neurodivergent burnout. Living with ADHD and dyspraxia, alongside suspected autism, he had been absent from work for six months. His employer recognised that his performance had declined but lacked an understanding of his neurodivergent needs and had not implemented appropriate workplace adjustments.

The Challenge

Burnout had significantly affected the client's emotional wellbeing, daily functioning and confidence. Assessment identified moderate to severe difficulties affecting work readiness, making an immediate return to work inappropriate.

Assessment

A neurological occupational therapist completed a comprehensive assessment, identifying sensory processing challenges, executive functioning difficulties, fatigue and reduced emotional resilience. Together with the client, a structured work readiness programme was agreed, with recovery and wellbeing identified as the first priority.

Vocational Rehabilitation in Action

Support was delivered over six sessions across three month using short, twice-weekly online appointments designed to reduce cognitive fatigue while creating routine and consistency.

Intervention focused on helping the client better understand his neurodivergence, manage sensory needs, develop sustainable energy management strategies and rebuild everyday routines. Sessions included sensory regulation, fatigue management, visual motor integration activities and emotional reflection using the Blob Tree tool.

Rather than focusing immediately on work, the programme prioritised restoring health and confidence. Practical goals included establishing regular self-care routines, increasing physical activity and gradually returning to meaningful daily occupations. The occupational therapist also encouraged the client to reconnect with exercise through a personal trainer, recognising its importance in supporting both mental wellbeing and nervous system regulation.

As confidence improved, attention shifted towards rebuilding work readiness.

Outcome

By the end of the programme the client had successfully begun a voluntary role to rebuild resilience before returning to paid employment.

He reported a much greater understanding of his neurodivergence, significantly improved management of symptoms and increased confidence in maintaining his wellbeing. Difficulties that had previously presented at a moderate to severe level had become substantially more manageable, enabling him to progress towards a sustainable return to work.

Key Learning

Successful vocational rehabilitation sometimes begins with restoring health rather than returning immediately to work. By addressing wellbeing, routine and self-management first, sustainable work outcomes become far more achievable.

Krysalis Consultancy

https://www.krysalisconsultancy.co.uk

For LinkedIn and Instagram: @KrysalisNeuroOT

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