Evaluating an Autistic Burnout Measurement in Women.
A 62-point cut-off on the Dutch AABM-NL spots autistic burnout in women so you can act early.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Schoondermark et al. (2025) tested a Dutch burnout scale made for autistic women.
They ran a small case series in an outpatient clinic.
The goal was to find a cut-off score that flags burnout quickly.
What they found
A score of 62 or higher on the AABM-NL caught burnout with good accuracy.
The scale held together well and matched other burnout signs.
How this fits with other research
Mantzalas et al. (2024) built the first 27-item Autistic Burnout Measure for adults.
Fleur trimmed and translated it for Dutch women, so the new cut-off extends that work.
Higgins et al. (2021) defined autistic burnout as exhaustion plus skill loss, not depression.
Arnold et al. (2023) showed adults agree with that view.
Fleur’s cut-off now gives those words a number clinicians can use.
Why it matters
You now have a one-page scale and a clear line in the sand.
Give the AABM-NL to any autistic woman who looks worn out.
A score above 62 means pause services, add rest, and teach masking reduction.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
This study evaluated the suitability of an unpublished autistic burnout assessment tool, focusing on autistic women. Distinguishing autistic burnout from conditions like depression or anxiety is crucial for effective interventions, emphasizing the need for nuanced research and refined measures in understanding and addressing autistic burnout. The Dutch version of the AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure (AABM-NL) was evaluated within a sample of 45 autistic women from the Autism Expertise Center. Preliminary findings of the AABM-NL scores demonstrated promising evidence of good internal consistency and convergent validity. Positive associations were observed between AABM-NL scores and a Likert scale assessing identification with autistic burnout, as well as with an instrument measuring physical and psychological complaints (SCL-90-R; Symptom Checklist-90-Revised). Specifically, anxiety, somatization, cognitive-performance deficits, and depression were correlated with the severity of autistic burnout. There was no significant difference between work status and the severity of autistic burnout, implying no employment-related connection. The AABM-NL effectively differentiated between women with and without autistic burnout, with 62 points as a suitable cut-off point. However, these results may not be generalized to women requiring daily living support, individuals beyond outpatient psychiatric settings, or those in institutionalized populations. The preliminary findings provide empirical evidence supporting the use of the AABM-NL as a potential tool for assessing autistic burnout in women receiving outpatient psychiatric care. Its implementation may contribute to programs aimed at recognizing and preventing autistic burnout in women. Further research is needed to enhance intervention strategies for mitigating the risk of autistic burnout.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2025 · doi:10.1108/aia-10-2018-0041