Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in how the brain develops and processes information. Just like fingerprints, no two brains function exactly alike. While most people are neurotypical (processing information in a way that matches the societal average), neurodivergent individuals perceive, learn, and interact with the world differently.

Common neurodivergent types include Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette Syndrome.

The Brain-Body Connection

Neurodivergence is often an entire body condition. Research shows a strong link between neurodivergent traits and hypermobility (flexible joints/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). This is because the same connective tissue (collagen) that builds the body also shapes the nervous system.

Because of this link, many neurodivergent people also experience:

• Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened reactions to light, sound, touch, or smell.

• Chronic Pain & Fatigue: A "sensitized" nervous system can lead to higher pain intensity and "brain fog".

• Dizziness & Heart Rate: Challenges like POTS, where heart rate spikes or dizziness occurs when standing.

• Proprioception: Difficulty sensing where your body is in space, which can lead to clumsiness.

Understanding Your "Spiky Profile"

Rather than being "high" or "low" functioning, neurodivergent individuals often have a "spiky profile". This means they may have exceptional strengths in areas like creativity, pattern recognition, or deep focus, while simultaneously facing significant challenges with daily tasks or social communication.

Tools for You (The links below are screening tools, not diagnostic, highlighting traits that may benefit from a formal evaluation)

• Neurodivergent Self-assessment Quizzes (Thruday Website) 

• Neurodivergent Self-screen (Neurodivurgent Website) 

• Autism & ADHD Screening Tests (Neuro Direct Website) 

• ADHD Screening Tests (Psychology Tools Website)

• Autism Screening Tests (Psychology Tools Website) 

Helpful Video links for What Is Neurodivergence?

• What is Neurodivergence Playlist (YouTube)

Support Strategies in Neurodivergence

Effective support focuses on embracing the individual’s "spiky profile"—a concept where a person may have exceptional strengths in some areas while facing significant challenges in others. Rather than trying to "cure" these differences, strategies are designed to help neurodivergent individuals function at their best.

• Individualized Education Supports: Creating predictable routines and providing clear information in advance can significantly reduce anxiety. Schools often act as gatekeepers for diagnosis, but they must also adapt environments to leverage a student’s unique strengths, such as 3D visualization or complex problem-solving.

• Occupational and Behavioral Therapies: Occupational Therapy (OT) is essential for sensory regulation and fine motor skills, such as improving grip strength to hold a pencil. Physical Therapy (PT) is often necessary to provide core stability and joint protection, particularly since up to 80% of neurodivergent females may have hypermobile joints.

• Sensory-Friendly Environments: Many neurodivergent people struggle to filter out non-important sensory information. Simple accommodations, such as providing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in busy settings, can prevent sensory overload.

• Mental Health Care and Self-Regulation Tools: Support should include interceptive training (like C-ADAPT), which helps individuals interpret internal body signals—such as a racing heart—to better manage emotional regulation and anxiety.

How to Thrive

Recognizing that neurodivergence is often an "entire body condition" allows for small, impactful shifts in daily life.

• Energy Accounting: This involves treating energy as a finite "budget" to avoid burnout (exhaustion) or "burn up" (overstimulation). Using the "Spoon Theory" helps individuals pace themselves and prioritize tasks to prevent total depletion.

• Environment Tweaks: Beyond headphones, using sensory-calm spaces to recharge is vital. Digital devices can also act as "prosthetics" for social communication, as online interaction removes the stress of nonverbal cues like eye contact.

• Physical Support and Monitoring:

  • Heart Rate Tracking: Using smartwatches or pulse oximeters provides an objective look at the autonomic nervous system. A consistently high heart rate may signal a "fight-or-flight" response, even if the individual does not yet "feel" anxious.

  • Autonomic Regulation: Simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing water and salt intake, can help manage symptoms like POTS (dizziness upon standing), which is highly common in neurodivergent populations.

  • Targeted Movement: Exercises like Pilates or swimming are often recommended for those with hypermobility to strengthen muscles without overextending joints.

Tools for You

• Curable Health App (Website)

Helpful Video links for What Is the Triad, Pentad, & Beyond?

• Treatment in Neurodivergence Playlist (YouTube)

• Movement & Exercise (M&BPC Website)

• Mindfulness Activities (M&BPC Website)

• Lifestyle Activities Including Pacing, Diet & Sleep (M&BPC Website)

• Extra Neurodivergence Video Playlist (YouTube)