Could you—or someone you care about—be in burnout and not even know it?

In this powerful episode of Beyond Chronic Burnout, Carole Jean Whittington, Lead Burnout Researcher and Chief Well-Being Officer at Whittington Well-Being, brings her recent presentation from the 2nd Annual International Autism Summit straight to you. 🔥

She introduces the Spicy Pepper Scale, a new tool to help identify the stages of burnout, from barely-there to blazing-hot. With over 85% of autistic individuals potentially experiencing Spicy Burnout, it’s time we start calling it what it is—and more importantly, doing something about it.

You'll learn:

• 🔎 Why burnout often goes unrecognized in autistic people
  

• 🌶️ How the Spicy Pepper Scale helps you pinpoint where you are
  

• 🧠 The impact of masking, sensory overwhelm, and health overlap
  

• ⚙️ How The UnVeiling Method + Rapid Recharge Lab are changing the game in burnout recovery
  

This is more than a conversation—it’s a wake-up call filled with practical strategies and hope. Plus, Carole Jean shares tools, quizzes, and a sneak peek at her upcoming book to support your journey toward sustainable energy and safety.

🎧 Listen now and start turning down the heat on your burnout.

🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:

🎉 You're Invited to the Birthday Book Launch Party! 🎉 Friday, May 2nd | 3 PM CT | MY VIBE Network

✨ This isn’t your usual book launch. This is a celebration of you, your energy, and what becomes possible when we stop hiding and start living—unmasked.

Join hostess Michelle Pecak of the MY VIBE Network and author Carole Jean Whittington for the launch of Living Unmasked: An Autistic Woman’s Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone — a groundbreaking book written just for autistic women navigating burnout, masking, and reclaiming their joy.

💬 “We’ve been told to mold, conform, be helpful, and not make a fuss…” And that led to decades of masking—often so well we didn’t realize the slow, quiet burnout setting in. We told ourselves:

“It’s just a stressful season.” “It’ll get better soon.” But that day never came.

Instead, we slipped into the Restoration Illusion Trap—thinking we were okay because it was better than total collapse… but far from thriving.

🚨 It’s time to flip the script.

• 🎁 FREE Preview of Chapter 1
  

• 🧘 Bonus Guided Meditation: “Coming Home to Your Self”
  

• 🔥 Key insights from the book that will shift how you see burnout and masking
  

• 💬 Live Q&A with Carole Jean—bring your juiciest burnout questions!
  

• 🎉 Birthday Vibes! Carole Jean is turning 51, and she’s sharing the spotlight with YOU
  

• 💎 Special Launch Discount to Purchase the Book
  

• 🎈 PLUS: The first 50 registrants receive a Birthday Gift! — Carole Jean’s exclusive Sensory Rest Tool Kit
  

👯‍♀️ Come as you are. Come feeling burned out, curious, celebratory, or quiet. Just don’t miss it.

🪑 Spots are limited! ✨ Register now to save your seat!

This is more than a book launch. It’s a coming home—to yourself, your power, your joy.

Registration for Birthday Book Launch Party, May 2, at 3 pm central

https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1182845

#SpicyBurnout #AutisticBurnout #UnmaskingAutism #BeyondChronicBurnout #TheUnVeilingMethod #AutismSummit #BurnoutRecovery #NeurodivergentWellBeing #AutisticAdults

What’s draining your energy—and how can you protect what little you have left?

In this powerful first episode of our new monthly series Things That Really Matter, Carole Jean and Becca Lory Hector dive into the often invisible emotional and mental toll that autistic individuals face—especially in a world that can feel increasingly marginalizing.

Together, they explore:

✨ How to identify and avoid spoon-stealing conversations ✨ The value of rest, self-care, and creating safe, sustainable routines

✨ Ways to build community that uplifts rather than drains ✨ Why now is the perfect time to build something new

✨ How internal reflection and creativity support long-term resilience

Whether you're autistic yourself or support those who are, this conversation offers a validating, practical, and deeply heartfelt look at how we can protect our spoons—and use them with intention.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation about what really matters.

🔗 Connect with Becca Lory Hector:

https://beccalory.com/

🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:

https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/

#ProtectYourSpoons #AutisticWomen #NeuroaffirmingCare #BeyondChronicBurnout #BeccaLoryHector #CaroleJeanWhittington #ThingsThatReallyMatter

Beware of the Restoration Illusion Trap! Have you ever thought you were out of burnout, only to find yourself back in it?

Many autistic women face this sneaky trap where temporary relief feels like recovery. But it's just a return to baseline burnout.

Today, we're exploring the concept of your "autistic blueprint" and how building foundations for a deeply connected relationship with yourself can transform your life and keep you out of that sneaky Restoration Illusion Trap.

In this episode:

- Understanding unique needs as an autistic woman.

- Importance of creating a personal autistic blueprint.

- Avoiding burnout through self-awareness and compassionate curiosity.

- Introduction of the Restoration Illusion Trap.

- Key foundations: identity, values, strengths, and boundaries.

- Guided meditation and exercises for self-connection.

🌱 Plant the Seed -

Today’s action moment is to begin a list of the following: your core values, your strengths, the things you are naturally good at, and a list of what you need to be at your best. Take a moment to reflect and make a note of which need from your list you would like to set a rule for first to support your energy?

💦 Water & Nourish -

Ask yourself:

What am I clear on about who I am, my unmasked values, my strengths and the needs that require a boundary to ensure they are supported consistently?

Where are the gaps between what is on my lists and what is actually happening in my life?

What components of my 'autistic blueprint' resonate most with me?" "How can I begin to build a stronger foundation for that area?

🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:

STEP 1: Take the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz and discover if you are in burnout or not, and if so, what’s your burnout level from a Poblano Pepper Level 1, where there’s just a bit of heat up to the Ghost Pepper Level 5 when “you’re so hot, you’re not.” You’ll get the opportunity to join our free Step 2 Class after you take the quiz.

Take the Quiz: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744

#AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp

What happens when autistic women take the mic during Autism Awareness Month—on their terms?

In this Social Saturdays episode, we’re joined by powerhouse advocate, educator, and fellow autistic woman Sara Bradford for a real conversation on shifting the narrative of Autism Awareness Month from external education to internal empowerment.

🔹 Highlights you won’t want to miss:

• A behind-the-scenes look at the International Autism Summit happening April 25–26
  

• How Sara’s entire autistic family informs her work and advocacy
  

• Insight into the SJ Childs Global Network and its mission for family support
  

• Ways the Summit embraces entrepreneurship, tech, and inclusive education
  

• Why representation from autistic women globally matters more than ever this April
  

This episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about reclaiming space, amplifying stories, and building community that thrives year-round.

🎧 Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you love to listen.

📲 Grab your seat at the International Autism Summit (April 25–26) and be part of the movement.

📅 Coming Next on Social Saturdays:

APRIL 12: Join me align with my new co-host, Becca Lory Hector, for our new series “Things That Really Matter” Saturday, April 12

APRIL 29: “The ND Lovers Club” with authors Bontle Senne and Sara Louise Ackrell join me on Saturday, April 29 with all the juicy goodness on love, dating and relationships in their new book.

📢 Join me at the International Autism Summit! April 25-26 (I’m speaking Friday at 12 PM CT) – RSVP for Free HERE: https://sjchilds.betterworld.org/events/2nd-annual-international-autism

🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:

Take the Masking Styles Quiz and discover if you’re The Chameleon, Observer, Script Reader, Performer or Integrator: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/

🔗 Connect with Sara Bradford:

www.sjchilds.orgwww.sjchilds.betterworld.org

#AutisticWomen #SocialSaturdays #AutismAwarenessMonth #BeyondChronicBurnout #Neurodiversity #SaraBradford #AutismSummit2025

For many autistic women, being believed is a battle. From childhood, we’re told our experiences aren’t real, that we’re “too much” or “not enough.” It’s time to change that.

This week, we explore narrative therapy—how storytelling fosters self-trust, validation, and healing. Whether you’re autistic or a helping professional, this episode is for you.

✨ Includes:

✅ Guided meditation for self-validation

✅ A powerful journaling exercise

✅ Subscriber-only research on narrative therapy

🎧 Listen now & let’s reclaim our stories

—----------------------------

RESOURCES FOR EPISODE 194

🌱 Plant the Seed Questions:

Ask yourself:

1. "What strengths did I use to navigate this situation?"

2. "What did this experience teach me about my needs and boundaries?"

3. "If I were talking to a close friend who had this experience, what compassionate things would I say to them?"

4. "What is a more accurate and empowering interpretation of this situation?"

5. "How can I use this experience to affirm my own validity and build my confidence?"

6. "What evidence do I have that my feelings were valid in this situation?"

7. "How can I use this experience to inform how I advocate for myself in the future?"

💧 Water and Nourish Questions:

Ask yourself:

"What stories have I been afraid to share?" and

"How can I validate my own experiences more often?"

🥳This Weekend on Social Saturday:

Join me and guest, Sara Bradford, as she shares all about the upcoming 2nd International Autism Summit. Tune in to get your FREE Ticket!

📅 Coming Next Week:

Do you ever wonder how to truly understand your unique needs as an autistic woman? Next Wednesday, we're exploring the concept of your "autistic blueprint" and how building foundations for self-intimacy (no not that kind, LOL) can transform your life.

🔗 Newsletter:

Get all subscriber bonuses & insights delivered straight to your inbox—join The Recharge weekly newsletter at WhittingtonWellBeing.com.

🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:

Take the Masking Styles Quiz and discover if you’re The Chameleon, Observer, Script Reader, Performer or Integrator: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/

#AutisticWomen #NarrativeTherapy #BeyondChronicBurnout #NeuroAffirming #SelfValidation

Do you ever feel like you’re living on autopilot, disconnected from what you truly want? Like you’re moving through life checking off tasks, but when you stop, you realize—you don’t even know you?

In this episode, we dive into the powerful self-discovery questions that transformed my life. These aren’t just prompts—they’re invitations to unmask, to reconnect, and to rediscover you.

Whether you're beginning your journey or deepening your self-awareness, these questions will guide you back to yourself.

🌱 Plant the Seed Questions:

• If you had an entire day with no obligations, how would you spend it?
  

• What makes you laugh and sparks joy?
  

• What’s something about yourself you wish people knew?
  

• What are your strengths and how do you share them?
  

💧 Water and Nourish Questions:

• What surprised you most about your answers?
  

• How do your responses compare to what you expected?
  

• How can you incorporate more self-inquiry into your daily life?
  

This journey isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about creating space for your authentic self to emerge. Ready to start?

🎧 Listen now and grab your FREE Self-Discovery Journaling Guide HERE:

https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958/?action=signup

📅 Coming Next Week: UnVeiling Your Story: Why Your Experience Matters

📢 Join me at the International Autism Summit! April 25-26 (I’m speaking Friday at 12 PM CT) – RSVP for Free HERE: https://sjchilds.betterworld.org/events/2nd-annual-international-autism

🔗 Newsletter: Get all subscriber bonuses & insights delivered straight to your inbox—join The Recharge weekly newsletter at WhittingtonWellBeing.com.

You, my friend, are worth knowing. 💜

What does it mean to lead as your authentic self? In this compelling episode, we explore the evolving landscape of autistic leadership with Philip King-Lowe, host of Today's Autistic Moment, as he celebrates his 100th episode milestone.

Philip shares the profound impact of amplifying autistic voices, fostering community, and redefining leadership for 2025 and beyond. Expect to uncover:

🔥 Authentic Leadership – Why embracing your autistic identity is a strength, not a limitation.

💡 The Future of Multi-Dimensional Autistic Leadership – How self-care and personal leadership shape sustainable success.

⚠️ Burnout Awareness – Subtle signs of burnout you might be missing and how to prevent them.

🌱 Self-Care That Works for You – Practical, personalized strategies to recharge and thrive.

Whether you’re an autistic leader, a supporter, or someone curious about the power of neurodivergent voices, this episode offers deep insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways. Tune in now!

🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington:

Take the Spicy Pepper Quiz and explore Carole Jean's new book 'Unleashing Sustainable Energy' at Whittington Well-Being's website: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Discover your masking style with my Masking Styles Quiz

• Sign up for Alignment Sunday and get the support you deserve

💡 Next Episode Sneak Peek: Are you living on autopilot? Join me next week as we explore how 52 simple questions can help you reconnect with your true self.

🔗Grateful Leadership Workshop:

The workshop will be $295 per person, and our Spicy Pepper community can use discount code CGL50 for a 50% discount, by being an early bird you claim your seat PLUS exclusive resources for just $149.50.

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Click the link below to register now for the event on MARCH 20 and ensure your place at the forefront of Grateful Leadership™.

https://www.learning-center.iil.com/courses/grateful-leadership-using-the-power-of-acknowledgment-to-engage-all-your-people-and-achieve-superior-results-li8694-iil-en-0-v12-3h-puh?courseId=69bb4bbc-d44f-4488-a420-67ccfcfc5c32

Disclosure: Carole Jean Whittington is a Strategic Learning Partner with the International Institute for Learning (IIL). As part of this partnership, she may receive compensation for purchases made through her unique link. This collaboration allows her to continue providing valuable insights and resources to the Beyond Chronic Burnout community.

🔗 Connect with GUEST:

Podcast: https://todaysautisticmoment.com/

Check out the episode with guest Carole Jean Whittington on “What is Autistic Leadership?”

YouTube: @todaysautisticmoment

#Masking #Authenticity #Self-discovery #JournalReflection #Meditation #Burnout #Autistic #ADHD #AuDHD #BeyondChronicBurnoutForAutisticWomen #MentalHealthProfessional