High-Functioning Survival Mode™ was developed by Dr. Samantha-Rae Dickenson, EdD, MSPH (Dr. Sam Rae) through lived experience navigating autistic burnout and complex trauma, and is validated through a formal multi-phase research study across 29 countries. The research began in 2023 and became formalized in 2024. Learn more about the research and Dr. Sam's background here.

No. HFSM™ is a nervous system pattern, not a clinical diagnosis. It describes a state of functioning at the intersection of chronic activation, performance-based coping, and survival-mode conditioning. It can coexist with clinical diagnoses like CPTSD, depression, anxiety, or autism, but it doesn't require one to be present.

No. HFSM™ affects anyone whose nervous system learned to use performance, masking, and over-functioning as survival strategies. Many neurodivergent and autistic folks experience HFSM™ because of the additional load of masking and navigating neurotypical environments, but the pattern isn't exclusive to neurodivergence. If traditional burnout advice hasn't worked for you and rest alone isn't restoring your capacity, HFSM™ may be what's happening.

Stress is a response to external demands. HFSM™ is an internal operating system. You can reduce your external demands and still be in HFSM™, because the survival pattern is wired into how your nervous system functions. Stress responds to rest and load reduction. HFSM™ requires nervous system re-patterning.

Yes. That's actually one of the defining features. HFSM™ is a normalized state for people who've been in it long term. You may not recognize it as survival because it's the only way you've ever operated. Many people don't identify the pattern until they take an assessment, read a description that resonates, or reach a point of burnout where the system can no longer sustain itself.

High-Functioning Survival Mode™ describes the pattern. The Soul Activation Model™ is the pathway out. Soul Activation™ guides you through four phases to redesigning your life from alignment instead of survival.

Visit the Research page for an overview of the HFSM™ study and frameworks, and read the white paper. You can also join our newsletter to stay up to date with new findings.

No. This framework is designed with neurodivergent and autistic nervous systems at the center, but it works for anyone experiencing burnout from prolonged survival mode. If you've been masking, overfunctioning, or pushing through while your nervous system stayed in threat response, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis, this framework can support you.

Once you purchase a recovery portal, it’s yours to keep. You can return to it as often as needed, move through it slowly, and adapt the tools as your capacity changes. There’s no expiration and no expectation to use everything.

That’s exactly what the assessment is for! It helps you identify your current stage so you can get the right support. You can retake the assessment anytime to track your progress or if your stage changes.

Burnout Recovery is Phase Zero of Soul Activation™. Once you've moved through initial recovery (typically Stage 2 or 3), you may be ready to address the deeper survival patterns that created burnout through the full Soul Activation Model™—either in the cohort or through private 1:1 support.

The portals are self-guided and don't include 1:1 support. However, if you're in Stage 3 or beyond, you may be ready for Soul Activation™'s deeper work through private sessions or the group cohort. Soul Activation™ addresses the root survival patterns that created burnout so you can rebuild from alignment instead of returning to old cycles.

Each portal is designed to meet you where you are. If you find yourself in a different stage later, you can purchase that portal separately. Many people start with one portal and add others as they progress or regress.

It depends on your stage, support systems, and how much energy you have to engage with the portal. Some people notice relief within a few weeks of reducing demand and stabilizing their nervous system. For others, recovery unfolds more slowly. The portals are designed to support pacing rather than speed, and to adjust as your capacity changes.

Due to the digital nature of the portals, refunds are not available once you have accessed the content. If you are experiencing issues, please reach out and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Yes! I’m available to teach my Neurodivergent Burnout Recovery Framework to individuals, teams, or organizations. This can be customized as a workshop or series of sessions, depending on your needs. Contact me for more details!