Autistic Burnout in Women: Masking, Camouflaging & the Cost of the Patriarchy

In this episode of It’s Not Just You, Hannah and Dr Dominique talk about masking, autistic burnout, and the impossible expectations placed on women. They explore masking, or camouflaging, as a survival strategy many neurodivergent women develop to stay safe and accepted, and unpack the heavy cost it can have on identity, energy, and wellbeing.

They also dive into autistic burnout: what it is, how it differs from depression, what it feels like in everyday life, and why recovery requires rest, self-awareness, and permission to step back without shame. Along the way, they share personal experiences, practical warning signs, and the different ways they each try to avoid reaching full burnout.

More broadly, this episode looks at how patriarchy shapes women’s lives through pressure, performance, and impossible standards, and why so many women are exhausted. It’s a validating, honest conversation about rest, identity, feminism, and learning to meet yourself with more compassion.