Are you constantly showing up for others, but no one sees what it’s costing you? This episode is a powerful acknowledgment of the invisible exhaustion that autistic and AuDHD women often carry—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
You’ll explore:
12 core truths about what’s really draining your energy
How emotional suppression leads to burnout and disconnection
Why masking creates deep internal confusion (and what to do instead)
How helping professionals can support without adding pressure or shame
Whether you're an autistic woman ready to reclaim your emotional world—or a therapist or coach supporting neurodivergent clients—this episode offers practical Root-to-Practice insights you can use today.
🎧 Plus: Download the free listener worksheet to explore the episode at your own pace.
➡️ Get your worksheet and explore more tools:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958
#BurnoutRecovery #NeurodivergentSupport #AuDHD #AutisticWomen #TherapistsOnLinkedIn #ChronicBurnout #EmotionalSuppression #MaskingRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #NeurodivergentTherapist #WhittingtonWellBeing
In Episode 209 of our “Things That REALLY Matter” series on Beyond Chronic Burnout, Carole Jean Whittington and Becca Lory Hector dive deep into the often-overlooked world of subtle trauma—especially how it uniquely impacts autistic women.
Together, they explore how lifelong patterns like people-pleasing, hyper-vigilance, emotional suppression, and the fear of being “too much” are often rooted in trauma we were never taught to recognize. From personal stories to practical tools, this episode is a must-watch if you’re navigating burnout, masking, or the struggle to prioritize your own needs.
💬 “People-pleasing at the expense of your own well-being is a giant trap. It masquerades as politeness or kindness.” — Becca Lory Hector
💬 “I reclaim calm. It is mine. It belongs to me.” — Carole Jean Whittington
🔎 Topics Covered:
Subtle trauma in autistic women
The impact of masking and emotional suppression
Communication, boundaries, and burnout recovery
Self-worth without performance
How to reclaim calm and rest without guilt
🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch right here.
🔗 Download the free checklist: 22 Subtle Signs of Trauma 📬 Get weekly insights inside The Recharge: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958
#BeyondChronicBurnout #AutisticWomen #SubtleTrauma #NeurodivergentBurnout #PeoplePleasing #SelfWorth #AutismAndTrauma #ReclaimRest #AutisticVoices #BurnoutRecovery
In this powerful episode of Things That REALLY Matter, Carole Jean Whittington and Becca Lory Hector dive deep into one of the most toxic messages autistic women have been fed: that we must hustle to be worthy of rest.
From masking-induced guilt to inherited scarcity mindsets, this episode explores how internalized capitalism, neurodivergent nervous systems, and societal pressure collide—leaving us burnt out and disconnected from our natural rhythms.
✨ Carole Jean shares her personal story of panic responses to rest
✨ Becca opens up about growing up in survival mode and redefining value
✨ Together they unpack the myth of “earning rest” and offer pathways to healing
You’ll hear how living in alignment with seasonal and moon cycles can help autistic women move away from hustle culture and back into the comfort of their own bodies. Plus, they offer micro-challenges and self-awareness practices you can try today.
Whether you're an autistic woman unmasking your values or a helping professional guiding others through burnout, this conversation will ground you in what really matters.
🔗 Connect with Becca Lory Hector:
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
🔥 Feeling the Burn? Find out where you are on the burnout scale with the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz! Whether you're just starting to sizzle or fully in Ghost Pepper mode, this quick quiz helps you identify your current burnout level—and what to do next.
🎯 Take the quiz and unlock your free Pepper insights to start feeling better—on your terms. 👉 Take the Quiz Now
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744
Redefine unmasking. Reclaim your comfort zone. Restore your Optimum Steady State.
#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #AutisticWellBeing #ThingsThatReallyMatter
In this cozy and personal solo episode, Carole Jean Whittington shares her real-life journey of rest, healing, and unexpected adventures—including a nasty bee sting, a crooked pool, and an invitation to direct the very first CASY Summer Camp through Cultural Autism Studies at Yale.
Tune in as Carole Jean offers a beautiful reflection on what it means to truly listen to your body, honor your limits, and embrace a new kind of rest—one layered with play, creativity, and self-discovery.
🌹 Plus, she pulls a card from her Rose Deck (The Fertile Void) and explores how this sacred season of becoming is guiding her—and maybe guiding you, too.
🔥 BONUS: Learn all about CASY Summer Camp: Your Compass to Self Care—a 6-week, free, on-demand experience created by autistic adults for autistic adults. There’s still time to register and join the Campfire Kickoff this Sunday!
🪵 Register here: https://forms.gle/wrGnyjGxqN33x18Q9
💌 And don’t forget—our Social Saturday episodes continue all summer, and your UnVeiler Kaleidoscope Community meets this Sunday!
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
Take the Spicy Pepper Quiz: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744
Subscribe to The Recharge Newsletter and receive weekly burnout recovery insights, tools for yourself or to use with your autistic clients, and learn about upcoming workshops at Whittington Well-Being.
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
🔗 ALIGNMENT SUNDAYS
Have you ever felt that Sunday evening dread, knowing another week is looming? 🌟As someone who has been there, I understand the feeling of your to-do list spiraling out of control.
That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Alignment Sundays - a sanctuary designed just for you. Join Us!
Get a FREE trial starting today Then just $11 monthly.
This could be the change you've been seeking. Together, let's turn Sunday evenings into a time of peace and preparation, rather than dread.
Ready to reclaim your week? Let's embark on this journey together.
Get Started this Sunday:
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180659
🌿 Ready to reconnect with your authentic Self and finally step into your Comfort Zone? Get your copy of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone—and start your journey out of burnout and into sustainable well-being.
✨ Your $9.99 digital + audio bundle includes the full book, exclusive bonus meditations, printable worksheets, and your personalized Roadmap to Energy Mastery.
📘 Grab it here
:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
You don’t have to hustle your way to healing. Let’s unmask gently, together. 💛
#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
What does a bee sting have to do with burnout, boundaries, and saying “yes” or “no”? Everything.
In this episode, Carole Jean Whittington shares a personal story from the past week—an unexpected MCAS reaction to a bee sting—and how it became a deep practice in rest, self-check-ins, and honoring her own “yes, no, or maybe” in real time.
She also brings in reflections from her Accelerate Circle students in The UnVeiling Method, where they explored the powerful questions that help us recognize what we’re agreeing to—both with others and ourselves.
Whether you’re navigating people-pleasing, energetic overwhelm, or the fuzzy in-between of not knowing what your body or nervous system is saying… this episode offers real insight, warm encouragement, and a reminder that checking in with yourself is a form of radical care.
✨ Key Questions We Explored:
What does your body say when it wants to say “no”?
Is this really a “yes,” or just a habit?
How can you begin practicing a pause, even when it’s uncomfortable?
This episode is an invitation to move from auto-pilot into authentic alignment—one conscious “yes,” “no,” or “maybe” at a time.
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
🌿 Ready to reconnect with your authentic Self and finally step into your Comfort Zone? Get your copy of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone—and start your journey out of burnout and into sustainable well-being.
✨ Your $9.99 digital + audio bundle includes the full book, exclusive bonus meditations, printable worksheets, and your personalized Roadmap to Energy Mastery.
📘 Grab it here
:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
You don’t have to hustle your way to healing.
Let’s unmask gently, together. 💛
#LivingUnmasked #AutisticBurnout #Boundaries #NeurodivergentLife #TheUnVeilingMethod #RestIsProductive
What if the connection you've been craving isn’t in fixing yourself—but in being witnessed, supported, and celebrated exactly as you are?
In this week’s episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout, Carole Jean Whittington is joined by therapeutic coach and sacred circle facilitator Kanan Tekchandani to explore the transformative power of sisterhood—especially for highly sensitive, gifted, and neurodivergent women.
Together, they dive into:
🌿 What a Sistership Circle is—and why neurodivergent women need it now more than ever
🌀 How masking, perfectionism, and loneliness begin to unravel in safe, sacred space
💫 Kanan’s powerful personal journey as a 2e woman reclaiming connection, voice, and joy
🔥 Why celebration and ritual can feel like a radical return to self
Plus: an invitation to the upcoming Sol-Sister Celebration—a global Sistership Circle Day event full of community, creativity, and deep restoration.
If you’ve ever longed for community that gets you, this episode is your gentle nudge to step into the circle.
🎟️ RSVP for the Sol-Sister Celebration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sistership-circle-day-sol-sister-celebration-tickets-1388612119229?aff=oddtdtcreator
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
🌿 Ready to reconnect with your authentic Self and finally step into your Comfort Zone?
Get your copy of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone—and start your journey out of burnout and into sustainable well-being.
✨ Your $9.99 digital + audio bundle includes the full book, exclusive bonus meditations, printable worksheets, and your personalized Roadmap to Energy Mastery.
📘 Grab it here
:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
You don’t have to hustle your way to healing. Let’s unmask gently, together. 💛
#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
🎁 Grab free burnout tools & weekly bonuses for your journey: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/therecharge
Things That REALLY Matter with Becca Lory Hector & Carole Jean Whittington
What if asking for help wasn’t a weakness—but one of the most radical acts of self-trust an autistic woman can make?
In this powerful episode of our monthly Things That REALLY Matter series, Becca Lory Hector and Carole Jean Whittington go deep into a topic many autistic women carry quietly: why asking for help feels so hard—and how we begin to heal that wound.
Together, we unpack:
The cultural myth of independence—and the trauma of self-reliance
How masking and rejection train us to equate strength with silence
Why past help-seeking may have felt dangerous or shameful
Rewriting the inner dialogue: shifting from “I should do it all myself” to “I deserve support”
Creating your “Safe to Ask” list and learning to receive without guilt
How helping professionals can hold space for interdependence without overstepping autonomy
Whether you're navigating burnout or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insight, validation, and gentle next steps toward reclaiming your voice—and your right to ask.
💌 Companion Article: Why Asking for Help Feels So Hard as Autistic Women—And How to Start Healing That Wound
📩 Special Subscriber Bonus in The Recharge includes healing prompts + tools for clinicians
🔗 Join us at WhittingtonWellBeing.com or in the show notes to access your bonuses
📢 This week’s listener reflection: “This week, I asked for…” Tag us or message to share your micro-acts of radical self-care.
@BeccaLoryHector @CaroleJeanWhittington
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
How to get out of burnout - STEP 1: Take the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz and discover if you are in burnout or not, and if so, what’s your burnout level from a Poblano Pepper Level 1, where there’s just a bit of heat up to the Ghost Pepper Level 5 when “you’re so hot, you’re not.” You’ll get the opportunity to join our free Step 2 Class after you take the quiz.
Take the Spicy Pepper Quiz: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744
Subscribe to The Recharge Newsletter and receive weekly burnout recovery insights, tools for yourself or to use with your autistic clients, and learn about upcoming workshops at Whittington Well-Being.
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
Access the Recharge Library - https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958/?action=signup
Connect with Becca Lory Hector:
#AutisticWomen #RadicalSelfCare #ThingsThatReallyMatter #NeurodivergentSupport #UnmaskingHealing #AutisticBurnout #BeyondChronicBurnout
What if the way you speak—or don’t speak—was shaped more by survival than by choice?
In this solo episode, Carole Jean Whittington dives into how shadow work can reveal hidden fears, unmet needs, and the unspoken patterns that impact the way autistic women communicate.
You'll learn how masking, alexithymia, and trauma may be influencing your communication style—whether that’s silence, shutdown, over-explaining, or people-pleasing.
Carole Jean shares how uncovering these shadow patterns can help you reclaim your voice, speak your truth, and ask for what you need with clarity and self-trust.
🌿 This episode includes:
– A warm, trauma-sensitive explanation of shadow work for autistic women
– Insights on how fear and unmet needs show up through the Enneagram lens
– Guided practice to gently connect with your inner voice – Actionable communication tools to use in your life or your practice
– This week’s Recharge Bonus: “Journaling Prompts for Shadow Exploration”
Whether you're on a journey of unmasking or guiding others through theirs, this episode offers powerful tools for speaking from a place of authenticity, not apology.
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
Plant the Seed
Here’s your energy-in-action experiment for this week:
Identify one communication pattern you’d like to shift.
Maybe you over-apologize.
Maybe you stay quiet when you want to contribute.
Maybe you soften your tone so you won’t be “too much.”
Practice bringing awareness to why you do that. What’s the fear behind it? What need might not be getting met?
Water & Nourish
This week, I’ve got two prompts for you—and there are 16 more waiting for you in the full Shadow Workbook in The Recharge Library.
🖋 What parts of my voice have I hidden to stay safe?
🖋 How can I begin to communicate my needs without guilt or apology?
And here’s one more from the bonus download: 🖋 How does my shadow influence my communication style? Am I passive, aggressive, or something in between?
Subscribe to The Recharge Newsletter and receive weekly burnout recovery insights, tools for yourself or to use with your autistic clients, and learn about upcoming workshops at Whittington Well-Being.
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
Access the Recharge Library - https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958/?action=signup
🔗 Hormone shifts shouldn’t feel like chaos. If you’re an autistic woman or support autistic clients, this is your invitation to experience a new kind of hormone education—one rooted in rhythm, clarity, and compassion.
✨ Join us for Hormone Harmony, a live guided event exploring how to align with your body’s natural hormone cycle—from menstruation to menopause—even when conditions like PMDD, POTS, MCAS, PCOS, or EDS/hEDS are also in the mix.
📅 Live Online | May 29th
🎁 Free ticket includes tracking tools, and support plans for hormone-related burnout or upgrade to VIP for a separate Q&A with Carole Jean.
🔗 Claim your spot now –https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1178946
NEW BOOK 🌿 Ready to reconnect with your authentic Self and finally step into your Comfort Zone?
Get your copy of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone—and start your journey out of burnout and into sustainable well-being.
✨ Your $9.99 digital + audio bundle includes the full book, exclusive bonus meditations, printable worksheets, and your personalized Roadmap to Energy Mastery.
📘 Grab it here:
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
You don’t have to hustle your way to healing. Let’s unmask gently, together. 💛
#AutisticBurnout #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
What if thriving with ADHD isn’t about fixing yourself—but redesigning your life around what actually works for your brain?
In this week’s Social Saturdays episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout, I’m joined by ADHD and neurodiversity coach Alexia Hetzel for a powerful, paradigm-shifting conversation on how high-achieving ADHDers can create sustainable success—on their own terms.
Based in Luxembourg, Alexia blends research, coaching, and lived experience to help ADHDers (and those who support them) move beyond burnout and into alignment.
In this episode, we explore:
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
This is the episode that finally gives you permission to stop fighting your brain—and start celebrating it.
🎁 Grab free burnout tools & weekly bonuses for your journey: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/therecharge
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
🔗 ALIGNMENT SUNDAYS
Have you ever felt that Sunday evening dread, knowing another week is looming? 🌟As someone who has been there, I understand the feeling of your to-do list spiraling out of control.
That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Alignment Sundays - a sanctuary designed just for you. Join Us!
Get a FREE trial starting today Then just $11 monthly.
This could be the change you've been seeking. Together, let's turn Sunday evenings into a time of peace and preparation, rather than dread.
Ready to reclaim your week? Let's embark on this journey together.
Get Started this Sunday:
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180659
🌿 Ready to reconnect with your authentic Self and finally step into your Comfort Zone? Get your copy of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone—and start your journey out of burnout and into sustainable well-being.
✨ Your $9.99 digital + audio bundle includes the full book, exclusive bonus meditations, printable worksheets, and your personalized Roadmap to Energy Mastery.
📘 Grab it here
:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
You don’t have to hustle your way to healing. Let’s unmask gently, together. 💛
#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
🌐 Connect with Alexia and explore her work at:Website - mondaycoach
Research Paper - How Positive Deviance in High-Achieving Adults with ADHD can Inform Strength-Based Coaching and Life Design to Complement Traditional ADHD Management
University-approved version: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4985832
Extended version (because I realized last minute I had written double the word count!):
What if understanding your burnout starts with understanding your why?
In this week’s episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout, Carole Jean Whittington shares how the Enneagram became a powerful guide for self-rediscovery during autistic burnout—and how it can help you or your clients finally make sense of your inner world.
Whether you’ve felt emotionally disconnected, chronically misunderstood, or simply unsure of who you are anymore... this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools for reconnecting with your true self.
💬 In this episode, you’ll explore:
What the Enneagram really is—and why it works for autistic minds
How it supports those who experience alexithymia (difficulty identifying emotions)
Why self-understanding is key to burnout recovery
How to identify your Enneagram Type
Ways helping professionals can integrate Enneagram work with neuro-affirming care
✨ Plus: A gentle meditation, a downloadable Energy-Honoring Enneagram Assessment, journal prompts, and tips for translating these insights into both your personal healing and your professional practice.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
The Energy-Honoring Enneagram Assessment (in this week’s issue of The Recharge)
Living Unmasked book + bonus tools: whittingtonwellbeing.com
Subscriber bonus: Enneagram Overview
🧠 This episode is for you if:
You’re autistic and feel emotionally disconnected or unsure of who you are
You’re a therapist, clinician, or coach supporting neurodivergent women
You want a deeper, more compassionate lens to navigate burnout and healing
🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout—where we explore what it really means to thrive as autistic women.
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
How to get out of burnout - STEP 1: Take the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz and discover if you are in burnout or not, and if so, what’s your burnout level from a Poblano Pepper Level 1, where there’s just a bit of heat up to the Ghost Pepper Level 5 when “you’re so hot, you’re not.” You’ll get the opportunity to join our free Step 2 Class after you take the quiz.
Take the Spicy Pepper Quiz: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744
Subscribe to The Recharge Newsletter and receive weekly burnout recovery insights, tools for yourself or to use with your autistic clients, and learn about upcoming workshops at Whittington Well-Being.
🔗 Subscribe to The Recharge:
https://energyuplevel.kit.com/becomeafan
🌿 Ready to reconnect with your authentic Self and finally step into your Comfort Zone? Get your copy of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone—and start your journey out of burnout and into sustainable well-being.
✨ Your $9.99 digital + audio bundle includes the full book, exclusive bonus meditations, printable worksheets, and your personalized Roadmap to Energy Mastery.
📘 Grab it here
:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
You don’t have to hustle your way to healing. Let’s unmask gently, together. 💛
#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
#NeuroaffirmingCare #BurnoutRecovery #AutisticWomen #TraumaInformedPractice #Enneagram #HelpingProfessionals #ClinicalTools #BeyondChronicBurnout
What if peace came from unmasking?
This milestone 200th episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout is a celebration in every sense—of unmasking, of sustainable energy, of thriving as our whole selves, and of YOU, the listener who’s been on this journey with us.
In this powerful episode, host Carole Jean Whittington shares what’s possible when we let go of performance, push past the myth of the “comfort zone,” and step into the version of ourselves that’s been waiting to exhale. You’ll hear insights from readers of Living Unmasked, stories from the healing journey, and reflections from 200 episodes of exploring what it really means to live without burnout.
PLUS: A behind-the-scenes look at Carole Jean’s new book Living Unmasked, how it’s changing lives, and why this podcast continues to be a sacred space for autistic women and the professionals who support them.
💡 What you'll discover:
The real comfort zone and why it’s your gateway to healing
What unmasking actually looks and feels like
The Optimum Steady State and how it reverses spicy burnout
Why this podcast exists—and what’s coming next
🔗 Get Living Unmasked (Digital + Audio):
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182513
Thank you for being part of 200 episodes. Here’s to 200 more.
#BeyondChronicBurnout #LivingUnmasked #AutisticWomen #BurnoutRecovery #200EpisodesStrong #NeurodivergentSupport #UnmaskingJourney #SustainableEnergy #EnergyMastery
Could you—or someone you care about—be in burnout and not even know it?
In this powerful episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout, Carole Jean Whittington, Lead Burnout Researcher and Chief Well-Being Officer at Whittington Well-Being, brings her recent presentation from the 2nd Annual International Autism Summit straight to you. 🔥
She introduces the Spicy Pepper Scale, a new tool to help identify the stages of burnout, from barely-there to blazing-hot. With over 85% of autistic individuals potentially experiencing Spicy Burnout, it’s time we start calling it what it is—and more importantly, doing something about it.
You'll learn:
🔎 Why burnout often goes unrecognized in autistic people
🌶️ How the Spicy Pepper Scale helps you pinpoint where you are
🧠 The impact of masking, sensory overwhelm, and health overlap
⚙️ How The UnVeiling Method + Rapid Recharge Lab are changing the game in burnout recovery
This is more than a conversation—it’s a wake-up call filled with practical strategies and hope. Plus, Carole Jean shares tools, quizzes, and a sneak peek at her upcoming book to support your journey toward sustainable energy and safety.
🎧 Listen now and start turning down the heat on your burnout.
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
🎉 You're Invited to the Birthday Book Launch Party! 🎉 Friday, May 2nd | 3 PM CT | MY VIBE Network
✨ This isn’t your usual book launch. This is a celebration of you, your energy, and what becomes possible when we stop hiding and start living—unmasked.
Join hostess Michelle Pecak of the MY VIBE Network and author Carole Jean Whittington for the launch of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone — a groundbreaking book written just for autistic women navigating burnout, masking, and reclaiming their joy.
💬 “We’ve been told to mold, conform, be helpful, and not make a fuss…” And that led to decades of masking—often so well we didn’t realize the slow, quiet burnout setting in. We told ourselves:
“It’s just a stressful season.” “It’ll get better soon.” But that day never came.
Instead, we slipped into the Restoration Illusion Trap—thinking we were okay because it was better than total collapse… but far from thriving.
🚨 It’s time to flip the script.
🎁 FREE Preview of Chapter 1
🧘 Bonus Guided Meditation: “Coming Home to Your Self”
🔥 Key insights from the book that will shift how you see burnout and masking
💬 Live Q&A with Carole Jean—bring your juiciest burnout questions!
🎉 Birthday Vibes! Carole Jean is turning 51, and she’s sharing the spotlight with YOU
💎 Special Launch Discount to Purchase the Book
🎈 PLUS: The first 50 registrants receive a Birthday Gift! — Carole Jean’s exclusive Sensory Rest Tool Kit
👯♀️ Come as you are. Come feeling burned out, curious, celebratory, or quiet. Just don’t miss it.
🪑 Spots are limited! ✨ Register now to save your seat!
This is more than a book launch. It’s a coming home—to yourself, your power, your joy.
Registration for Birthday Book Launch Party, May 2, at 3 pm central
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182845
#SpicyBurnout #AutisticBurnout #UnmaskingAutism #BeyondChronicBurnout #TheUnVeilingMethod #AutismSummit #BurnoutRecovery #NeurodivergentWellBeing #AutisticAdults
In this Social Saturdays episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout, we’re joined by powerhouse co-authors Bontle Senne and Sara Louise Ackrill to talk all things love, healing, and neurodivergence in their new book, The ND Lovers Club.
Together, we explore what it means to navigate relationships while autistic or otherwise neurodivergent. From the impact of masking and energy management to the pressure of societal norms and the journey to self-understanding, Bontle and Sara Louise open up about the deeply personal and often unspoken challenges of dating, intimacy, and connection.
This conversation is not just about relationships with others—it’s also about the most important relationship of all: the one with yourself.
🔹 Why understanding your neurodivergent identity is essential in healthy relationships
🔹 How masking can drain connection—and how to step into authenticity
🔹 The emotional and physical health foundations of sustainable love
🔹 Personal stories of healing, growth, and finding joy while ND and dating
🔹 Behind the scenes of writing The ND Lovers Club and the power of storytelling for neurodivergent communities.
Whether you’re ND and navigating love or a clinician supporting ND clients, this episode is a heart-centered look at connection through a truly affirming lens.
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
🎉 You're Invited to the Birthday Book Launch Party! 🎉 Friday, May 2nd | 3 PM CT | MY VIBE Network
✨ This isn’t your usual book launch. This is a celebration of you, your energy, and what becomes possible when we stop hiding and start living—unmasked.
Join hostess Michelle Pecak of the MY VIBE Network and author Carole Jean Whittington for the launch of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone — a groundbreaking book written just for autistic women navigating burnout, masking, and reclaiming their joy.
💬 “We’ve been told to mold, conform, be helpful, and not make a fuss…” And that led to decades of masking—often so well we didn’t realize the slow, quiet burnout setting in. We told ourselves:
“It’s just a stressful season.” “It’ll get better soon.” But that day never came.
Instead, we slipped into the Restoration Illusion Trap—thinking we were okay because it was better than total collapse… but far from thriving.
🚨 It’s time to flip the script.
🎁 FREE Preview of Chapter 1
🧘 Bonus Guided Meditation: “Coming Home to Your Self”
Key insights from the book that will shift how you see burnout and masking
💬 Live Q&A with Carole Jean—bring your juiciest burnout questions!
🎉 Birthday Vibes! Carole Jean is turning 51, and she’s sharing the spotlight with YOU
💎 Special Launch Discount to Purchase the Book
🎈 PLUS: The first 50 registrants receive a Birthday Gift! — Carole Jean’s exclusive Sensory Rest Tool Kit
👯♀️ Come as you are. Come feeling burned out, curious, celebratory, or quiet. Just don’t miss it.
🪑 Spots are limited! ✨ Register now to save your seat!
This is more than a book launch. It’s a coming home—to yourself, your power, your joy.
Registration for Birthday Book Launch Party, May 2, at 3 pm central
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182845
🔗 Connect with GUEST:
Bontle Senne is an AuDHD author, speaker, and consultant whose neurodivergent insights and lived experiences power her unique approach to leadership, coaching, writing, and publishing.
Sara-Louise Ackrill is an AuDHD CEO, therapist, coach, speaker, and award-winning social entrepreneur.
BOOK, The ND Lovers Club
CONTACT US: Built to Diverge
https://www.builttodiverge.com/contact
SARA-LOUISE’S LINKEDIN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-louise-ackrill-frsa-9490871b3/
BONTLE’s LINKEDIN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bontlesenne/
#NDLoversClub #NeurodivergentLove #AutisticWomen #NeurodivergentRelationships #SocialSaturdays #BeyondChronicBurnout #AuDHD #Neurodiversity #NeuroAffirmingCare
What’s draining your energy—and how can you protect what little you have left?
In this powerful first episode of our new monthly series Things That Really Matter, Carole Jean and Becca Lory Hector dive into the often invisible emotional and mental toll that autistic individuals face—especially in a world that can feel increasingly marginalizing.
Together, they explore:
✨ How to identify and avoid spoon-stealing conversations ✨ The value of rest, self-care, and creating safe, sustainable routines
✨ Ways to build community that uplifts rather than drains ✨ Why now is the perfect time to build something new
✨ How internal reflection and creativity support long-term resilience
Whether you're autistic yourself or support those who are, this conversation offers a validating, practical, and deeply heartfelt look at how we can protect our spoons—and use them with intention.
🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation about what really matters.
🔗 Connect with Becca Lory Hector:
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/
#ProtectYourSpoons #AutisticWomen #NeuroaffirmingCare #BeyondChronicBurnout #BeccaLoryHector #CaroleJeanWhittington #ThingsThatReallyMatter
Beware of the Restoration Illusion Trap! Have you ever thought you were out of burnout, only to find yourself back in it?
Many autistic women face this sneaky trap where temporary relief feels like recovery. But it's just a return to baseline burnout.
Today, we're exploring the concept of your "autistic blueprint" and how building foundations for a deeply connected relationship with yourself can transform your life and keep you out of that sneaky Restoration Illusion Trap.
In this episode:
- Understanding unique needs as an autistic woman.
- Importance of creating a personal autistic blueprint.
- Avoiding burnout through self-awareness and compassionate curiosity.
- Introduction of the Restoration Illusion Trap.
- Key foundations: identity, values, strengths, and boundaries.
- Guided meditation and exercises for self-connection.
🌱 Plant the Seed -
Today’s action moment is to begin a list of the following: your core values, your strengths, the things you are naturally good at, and a list of what you need to be at your best. Take a moment to reflect and make a note of which need from your list you would like to set a rule for first to support your energy?
💦 Water & Nourish -
Ask yourself:
What am I clear on about who I am, my unmasked values, my strengths and the needs that require a boundary to ensure they are supported consistently?
Where are the gaps between what is on my lists and what is actually happening in my life?
What components of my 'autistic blueprint' resonate most with me?" "How can I begin to build a stronger foundation for that area?
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
STEP 1: Take the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz and discover if you are in burnout or not, and if so, what’s your burnout level from a Poblano Pepper Level 1, where there’s just a bit of heat up to the Ghost Pepper Level 5 when “you’re so hot, you’re not.” You’ll get the opportunity to join our free Step 2 Class after you take the quiz.
Take the Quiz: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744
#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
What happens when autistic women take the mic during Autism Awareness Month—on their terms?
In this Social Saturdays episode, we’re joined by powerhouse advocate, educator, and fellow autistic woman Sara Bradford for a real conversation on shifting the narrative of Autism Awareness Month from external education to internal empowerment.
🔹 Highlights you won’t want to miss:
A behind-the-scenes look at the International Autism Summit happening April 25–26
How Sara’s entire autistic family informs her work and advocacy
Insight into the SJ Childs Global Network and its mission for family support
Ways the Summit embraces entrepreneurship, tech, and inclusive education
Why representation from autistic women globally matters more than ever this April
This episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about reclaiming space, amplifying stories, and building community that thrives year-round.
🎧 Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you love to listen.
📲 Grab your seat at the International Autism Summit (April 25–26) and be part of the movement.
📅 Coming Next on Social Saturdays:
APRIL 12: Join me align with my new co-host, Becca Lory Hector, for our new series “Things That Really Matter” Saturday, April 12
APRIL 29: “The ND Lovers Club” with authors Bontle Senne and Sara Louise Ackrell join me on Saturday, April 29 with all the juicy goodness on love, dating and relationships in their new book.
📢 Join me at the International Autism Summit! April 25-26 (I’m speaking Friday at 12 PM CT) – RSVP for Free HERE: https://sjchilds.betterworld.org/events/2nd-annual-international-autism
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
Take the Masking Styles Quiz and discover if you’re The Chameleon, Observer, Script Reader, Performer or Integrator: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/
🔗 Connect with Sara Bradford:
www.sjchilds.orgwww.sjchilds.betterworld.org
#AutisticWomen #SocialSaturdays #AutismAwarenessMonth #BeyondChronicBurnout #Neurodiversity #SaraBradford #AutismSummit2025
For many autistic women, being believed is a battle. From childhood, we’re told our experiences aren’t real, that we’re “too much” or “not enough.” It’s time to change that.
This week, we explore narrative therapy—how storytelling fosters self-trust, validation, and healing. Whether you’re autistic or a helping professional, this episode is for you.
✨ Includes:
✅ Guided meditation for self-validation
✅ A powerful journaling exercise
✅ Subscriber-only research on narrative therapy
🎧 Listen now & let’s reclaim our stories
—----------------------------
RESOURCES FOR EPISODE 194
🌱 Plant the Seed Questions:
Ask yourself:
"What strengths did I use to navigate this situation?"
"What did this experience teach me about my needs and boundaries?"
"If I were talking to a close friend who had this experience, what compassionate things would I say to them?"
"What is a more accurate and empowering interpretation of this situation?"
"How can I use this experience to affirm my own validity and build my confidence?"
"What evidence do I have that my feelings were valid in this situation?"
"How can I use this experience to inform how I advocate for myself in the future?"
💧 Water and Nourish Questions:
Ask yourself:
"What stories have I been afraid to share?" and
"How can I validate my own experiences more often?"
🥳This Weekend on Social Saturday:
Join me and guest, Sara Bradford, as she shares all about the upcoming 2nd International Autism Summit. Tune in to get your FREE Ticket!
📅 Coming Next Week:
Do you ever wonder how to truly understand your unique needs as an autistic woman? Next Wednesday, we're exploring the concept of your "autistic blueprint" and how building foundations for self-intimacy (no not that kind, LOL) can transform your life.
🔗 Newsletter:
Get all subscriber bonuses & insights delivered straight to your inbox—join The Recharge weekly newsletter at WhittingtonWellBeing.com.
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
Take the Masking Styles Quiz and discover if you’re The Chameleon, Observer, Script Reader, Performer or Integrator: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/
#AutisticWomen #NarrativeTherapy #BeyondChronicBurnout #NeuroAffirming #SelfValidation
Do you ever feel like you’re living on autopilot, disconnected from what you truly want? Like you’re moving through life checking off tasks, but when you stop, you realize—you don’t even know you?
In this episode, we dive into the powerful self-discovery questions that transformed my life. These aren’t just prompts—they’re invitations to unmask, to reconnect, and to rediscover you.
Whether you're beginning your journey or deepening your self-awareness, these questions will guide you back to yourself.
🌱 Plant the Seed Questions:
If you had an entire day with no obligations, how would you spend it?
What makes you laugh and sparks joy?
What’s something about yourself you wish people knew?
What are your strengths and how do you share them?
💧 Water and Nourish Questions:
What surprised you most about your answers?
How do your responses compare to what you expected?
How can you incorporate more self-inquiry into your daily life?
This journey isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about creating space for your authentic self to emerge. Ready to start?
🎧 Listen now and grab your FREE Self-Discovery Journaling Guide HERE:
https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958/?action=signup
📅 Coming Next Week: UnVeiling Your Story: Why Your Experience Matters
📢 Join me at the International Autism Summit! April 25-26 (I’m speaking Friday at 12 PM CT) – RSVP for Free HERE: https://sjchilds.betterworld.org/events/2nd-annual-international-autism
🔗 Newsletter: Get all subscriber bonuses & insights delivered straight to your inbox—join The Recharge weekly newsletter at WhittingtonWellBeing.com.
You, my friend, are worth knowing. 💜
What does it mean to lead as your authentic self? In this compelling episode, we explore the evolving landscape of autistic leadership with Philip King-Lowe, host of Today's Autistic Moment, as he celebrates his 100th episode milestone.
Philip shares the profound impact of amplifying autistic voices, fostering community, and redefining leadership for 2025 and beyond. Expect to uncover:
🔥 Authentic Leadership – Why embracing your autistic identity is a strength, not a limitation.
💡 The Future of Multi-Dimensional Autistic Leadership – How self-care and personal leadership shape sustainable success.
⚠️ Burnout Awareness – Subtle signs of burnout you might be missing and how to prevent them.
🌱 Self-Care That Works for You – Practical, personalized strategies to recharge and thrive.
Whether you’re an autistic leader, a supporter, or someone curious about the power of neurodivergent voices, this episode offers deep insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways. Tune in now!
🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:
Take the Spicy Pepper Quiz and explore Carole Jean's new book 'Unleashing Sustainable Energy' at Whittington Well-Being's website: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/
🔗 Resources & Links:
Discover your masking style with my Masking Styles Quiz
Sign up for Alignment Sunday and get the support you deserve
💡 Next Episode Sneak Peek: Are you living on autopilot? Join me next week as we explore how 52 simple questions can help you reconnect with your true self.
🔗Grateful Leadership Workshop:
The workshop will be $295 per person, and our Spicy Pepper community can use discount code CGL50 for a 50% discount, by being an early bird you claim your seat PLUS exclusive resources for just $149.50.
Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Click the link below to register now for the event on MARCH 20 and ensure your place at the forefront of Grateful Leadership™.
Disclosure: Carole Jean Whittington is a Strategic Learning Partner with the International Institute for Learning (IIL). As part of this partnership, she may receive compensation for purchases made through her unique link. This collaboration allows her to continue providing valuable insights and resources to the Beyond Chronic Burnout community.
🔗 Connect with GUEST:
Podcast: https://todaysautisticmoment.com/
Check out the episode with guest Carole Jean Whittington on “What is Autistic Leadership?”
YouTube: @todaysautisticmoment
#Masking #Authenticity #Self-discovery #JournalReflection #Meditation #Burnout #Autistic #ADHD #AuDHD #BeyondChronicBurnoutForAutisticWomen #MentalHealthProfessional
Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty, constantly shifting who you are to fit into different situations? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the connection between masking and autistic burnout—why it happens, how it impacts autistic women, and the signs to watch for before burnout takes over.
I’ll share my own experience with burnout, the role of masking styles (especially the Integrator style), and practical ways to check in with yourself before reaching a crisis point. Plus, we’ll take a moment to slow down with a grounding meditation and simple self-care strategies to help you recover and recharge.
It’s time to unmask, recognize your needs, and start building a life that supports you—not one that drains you. Let’s get started.
🔗 Resources & Links:
Discover your masking style with my Masking Styles Quiz
Download the Top 20 Burnout Warning Signs guide
Sign up for Alignment Sunday and get the support you deserve
💡 Next Episode Sneak Peek: Are you living on autopilot? Join me next week as we explore how 52 simple questions can help you reconnect with your true self.
Social Saturday: Join me and my guest Philip King Lowe this Saturday for our discussion on all things autistic. Philip is the host of Today’s Autistic Moment.
🎧 Listen now and take your first step toward recovery!
