Navigating Burnout: Rachel Maeroff

David welcomes Rachel Maeroff, a dedicated advocate who has spent 25 years supporting autistic individuals. They dive into the often-overlooked issue of burnout, not just for parents but also for practitioners, therapists, and educators. Rachel shares her personal journey, insights on recognizing and managing burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries and seeking community support. The episode also features a new segment, 'Parent Confessions,' and practical tips for avoiding burnout. Join the conversation and discover strategies for finding joy, meaning, and sustainable ways to support both loved ones and ourselves.

Topics

00:45 Today's Topic: Burnout in the Autism Community

01:03 Guest Introduction: Rachel Maeroff

01:15 Rachel's Journey and Career

01:24 Discovering Spelling to Communicate

03:57 Challenges and Innovations in ABA

06:28 Transition to Nutrition and Corporate Wellness

06:49 Reconnecting and New Discoveries

14:28 Understanding Burnout and Spoon Theory

20:23 Balancing Passion and Self-Care

25:49 The Isolation Factor in Parenting Neurodivergent Children

26:50 The Role of Online Communities

28:29 Discovering Neurodivergence in Adulthood

30:28 Challenges of High Masking and Low Support Needs

32:59 Parent Confessions: Embracing the Chaos

37:38 Avoiding Burnout: Tips and Strategies

43:45 Finding Joy and Community

47:04 Autism Fact or Fiction: Burnout Edition

48:41 Wrapping Up: Building a Supportive Community