ABO

Autistic Burnout Construct

AutismSelf-reportAges 16+8 statements~2 min

Validated by Raymaker et al. (2020) · View paper

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

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.

8 statements · ~2 min · Auto-saved

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.

ABO FAQs

The most common questions about the ABO (Autistic Burnout Construct).

What is the ABO?

The ABO (Autistic Burnout Construct) is a 8-item statement self-report screener for autistic burnout. An 8-item self-report measure of autistic burnout experiences — chronic exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance. It was developed by Raymaker et al. (2020).

Who can take the ABO?

The ABO is designed for autistic adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the ABO take?

Most people complete the ABO in about 2 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the ABO diagnostic?

No. The ABO is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a research-grade measure that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the ABO free to take here?

Yes. The ABO is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my ABO score mean?

After you complete the ABO, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the ABO, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my ABO score is elevated?

An elevated score on the ABO is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your ABO score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the ABO compares to related screeners

Most autism screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the ABO relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

ABO vs AQ-10

The ABO and the AQ-10 both measure autistic burnout at a similar length (8 vs 10 statements). They originated from different research groups (2020 and 2012 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the AQ-10 →

ABO vs RAADS-14

The ABO and the RAADS-14 both measure autistic burnout at a similar length (8 vs 14 statements). They originated from different research groups (2020 and 2013 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the RAADS-14 →

ABO vs TEQ

The ABO and the TEQ both measure autistic burnout at a similar length (8 vs 16 statements). They originated from different research groups (2020 and 2009 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the TEQ →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the ABO for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.

ABO