The short version
Try leaving one small gap after an activity you know takes a lot from you.
An optional starting point, not a rule for everyone.
The visible activity is not the whole effort
In the book, Reut uses a battery image to talk about energy. It is a metaphor, not a medical measurement. Noise, social demands and change may take effort that others do not notice. The NHS notes that autistic adults may need support with health, sleep and autistic fatigue. Support needs can also change over time.
Leave some room between demands
An optional way to start is to notice what usually follows a busy activity. Would a quieter journey home, fewer plans afterwards or a pause before the next task help? You do not have to use a numerical energy score. If tracking becomes another demand, a simple note or conversation may be enough.
Rest can look different
NHS Dorset describes hobbies, interests, planning and connecting with others as possible wellbeing supports. Quiet time may help one person; a familiar activity may suit another. Rest is not a competition to be completely still. Choose something that reduces demands for you, and do not assume the same choice will work every day.
Persistent exhaustion deserves attention
Do not explain every new or worsening difficulty as neurodivergence. If exhaustion, sleep problems, low mood or changes in functioning are persistent or concerning, seek advice from a qualified health professional. This page cannot identify the cause or replace care. Practical adjustments and healthcare can exist alongside each other.
Where this guide comes from
Book connection: Chapter 5 of The AuDHD Superpower. Website adaptation with optional examples written for this site.
Additional guidance checked on 12 November 2026:
Educational information, not diagnosis, treatment or legal advice. UK sources describe their own local service context. Read the care note.