The Burnout Nobody Names: Diagnosing Autism in High-Functioning Adults

High-functioning autistic adults who mask their symptoms often develop autistic burnout—a neurological shutdown that goes misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety. Understanding autism as a neurodevelopmental difference rather than a mental health condition is essential for appropriate treatment. The RAADS-R screening tool offers a practical pathway to diagnosis that could prevent years of misdirected therapy and psychological harm.