I have been meaning to follow up with some more resources regarding Burnout in the Neurodivergent Community. It makes sense that the challenges of working in a high pressure environment, especially one that is nonoptimal for your skills, will add stress. Of course that means that burnout can and does occur in all neurotypes.  

A Succeed-with-Dyslexia (SWD) blog post^[1] from last year is a great read about burnout for everyone. It summarises the very important point

What matters is recognising [burnout], and reaching out, even if it feels trivial or embarrassing at first – it isn’t, but sometimes that hurdle is one of the largest for people. 

Hayley M Butcher, in her blog  “Discussing the Dyslexic Brain” ^[2] lays out the reasons for fatigue being so common in the dyslexic community. Her summary in typically clear, dyslexic style:

A collage of factors, including tackling difficult and complex tasks, spending time checking and re-checking for errors, battling visual stressors and coping with associated stress can be a real recipe for fatigue amongst the dyslexic community.

It is also a fantastic literature review of contemporary research and support, with great references and advice:

Setting achievable goals, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, taking regular breaks, accessing reasonable adjustments and seeking the expertise of educational professionals when needed can all be great ways to assist the dyslexic population. In addition, remaining supportive and encouraging, yet also understanding of your dyslexic child, student or significant other (or even towards yourself) is absolutely crucial. 

Well worth a read

[1] Dyslexia and Me: Dyslexia and Burrnout, June 2022

[2] Discusing the Dyslexic Brain, Oct 2020