TPP 506: A Deep Dive into Autistic Burnout in Children with Jodie Clarke

TPP 506: A Deep Dive into Autistic Burnout in Children with Jodie Clarke

Author: Debbie Reber June 2, 2026 Duration: 45:20
Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in autistic experience and mental health, particularly in children and teens. In this episode, Jodie talks about the signs and causes of autistic burnout, how it’s often misunderstood or missed altogether, and what meaningful support really looks like. This is an essential conversation for anyone supporting autistic kids—grounded, validating, and full of important shifts in how we understand and respond to burnout.  About Jodie Clarke Jodie Clarke is an autistic and ADHD professional with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in autistic experience and mental health with a focus on children and young people . She is currently completing a PhD exploring autistic burnout in children and young people. Jodie is also a parent to 3 neurodivergent children of her own. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Jodie Clarke’s personal journey into neurodivergence shapes her advocacy around autism and burnout Why masking plays such a significant role in autistic burnout for children and teens How autistic burnout shows up in young people and the signs parents can learn to recognize Why lowering demands and creating safe, low-pressure environments is essential for recovery How societal and family expectations can contribute to burnout and delay healing Why supporting recovery involves trusting parental intuition, unlearning conditioning, and helping kids reconnect with their authentic selves Resources mentioned Jodie Clarke’s website Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting the Recovery of Autistic Burnout in Children and Young People by Jodie Clarke Young, Autistic, and Burned Out by Jodie Clarke Luke Beardon at Sheffield Hallam University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children is a space for parents who are moving at the speed their kids require. Hosted by Debbie Reber, an author and activist who understands the terrain, this podcast offers more than just advice-it offers a sense of shared experience. Each episode delves into the real-world challenges and joys of raising children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), giftedness, or twice-exceptional (2e) profiles. You’ll hear from specialists, educators, and therapists who provide actionable strategies, but the core of the conversation is always connection. Debbie guides discussions that move beyond theory to address the daily realities: managing meltdowns, advocating within school systems, nurturing a child’s unique strengths, and preserving your own well-being in the process. It’s a resource for those moments when standard parenting approaches fall short, offering insights that are both practical and deeply empathetic. Listening to this podcast feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who gets it, one that leaves you with tangible ideas and the reassurance that you’re not navigating this path alone. The focus is on building a supportive framework for your family, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Podcast Episodes
TPP 307a: Eliza Fricker Talks Parenting a Child with PDA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a parent’s…
TPP 504: Celia Bray on Staying Anchored in an Intense World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
Today we’re exploring what it means to reconnect with our bodies and how that can transform not just our emotional health, but our parenting and relationships as well, with Celia Bray, a psychologist, somatic therapist,…