ABO
Autistic Burnout Construct
An 8-item self-report measure of autistic burnout experiences.
For each statement, select the response that best matches how things have been for you. Answer based on recent experience.
About the ABO
The Autistic Burnout Construct is a brief self-report measure developed by Richards and colleagues (2023) to identify autistic burnout in autistic adults. Autistic burnout is characterised by pervasive exhaustion, loss of previously acquired skills, and increased sensory sensitivity — often stemming from the cumulative cost of masking and navigating a non-autistic world.
Designed for autistic adults (16+). Takes about 2–5 minutes.
Scoring
Each of the 8 items is rated on a 6-point scale (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree). Items 3 and 4 are reverse-scored. The total range is 8–48; a score of 32 or above suggests experiences consistent with autistic burnout.
Reliability
The ABO demonstrates high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and has shown convergent validity with autistic trait measures such as the SRS-2.
Important: The ABO is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Burnout-like experiences can also stem from chronic stress, depression, or medical conditions. A qualified clinician can help sort this out.
Richards, J. et al. (2023). The Reliability and Validity of a Novel Autistic Burnout Measure Among Neurodiverse College Students.