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

With mental health crisis in autistic young people on the rise we need to accept that Living as an autistic person in a world that doesn't cater to your needs is exhausting at best and harmful at worst.

Autistic burnout is a common experience for autistic children and young people. This book, authored by a neurodivergent practitioner with firsthand experience as both an autism parent and researcher, delves into the recognition and management of burnout. It offers parents and professionals practical strategies to prevent autistic burnout and provides guidance on supporting those already in distress.

For every child that has been forced into school in pyjamas, for every parent blamed for their child's non-attendance, for every professional who wants to learn more and for every young person traumatized by those who thought they knew best—this book is for you.

Audible Audio

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[kashiichan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and I wish this book had been around while I was a child. As noted by Luke Beardon in the Forward, author Jodie Clarke has done a magnificent job of identifying just how traumatic ‘everyday life’ can be for an autistic person, and how much of that trauma is caused at a young age.

Despite the focus being mainly on autistic burnout and trauma, there is also a lot of useful information and suggestions on other topics as well. It talks about the difference between burnout and depression, demands on executive functioning, communication, sensory issues, interoception, emotional regulation, masking, monotropism, demand avoidance, and other common co-occurring conditions.

This book also discusses commonly-used approaches/responses, shares strategies for parents, and offers suggestions for creating neurodivergent-friendly spaces. The whole last third of the book talks about recovery, breaking it down into clear stages and offering general guidance on what things might help during those times. I'm particularly pleased to see the PACE approach included here, along with information about energy accounting and carer burnout.

The author ends with an acknowledgement that "We are not where we need to be", but has provided an incredible foundation upon which to build a better future for autistic folks. I highly recommend this book.

[Sam Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best therapy session I have ever had! An extremely validating book! A must read

[KERRY MARIE WOODARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read

A very authentic portrayal of burnout and ways to support your whole family. A definite recommendation for every parent of a neurodivergent child.