What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in how a person’s brain develops and functions, leading to differences in cognition, perception, behavior, and sensory processing compared to what is considered “typical.”

It is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others. Rather than framing these differences as deficits, neurodivergence emphasizes that they are part of normal human diversity, with distinct strengths as well as challenges.

Neurodivergence can affect areas such as:

• Attention and executive functioning

• Sensory processing and perception

• Communication and social interaction

• Learning styles and information processing

Importantly, neurodivergence often interacts with the body as well as the brain, influencing factors like sensory sensitivity, motor coordination, and—in some individuals—conditions such as hypermobility, chronic pain, or autonomic regulation differences.

In this framework, the focus shifts from “fixing” individuals to understanding and supporting different neurotypes in ways that improve functioning, well-being, and quality of life.

 

Is there a link between autism/ADHD and hypermobility?

Yes—multiple studies show higher rates of joint hypermobility in autistic and ADHD populations compared to the general population.

The relationship isn’t fully explained yet, but likely involves:

• Shared genetic pathways (collagen / connective tissue)

• Nervous system regulation differences

• Developmental factors (ECM + brain development)

 

Why do so many neurodivergent people have chronic pain?

Several overlapping reasons:

• Joint instability → micro-injuries

• Poor proprioception → inefficient movement

• Central sensitization → amplified pain signals

• Autonomic dysfunction → fatigue + inflammation

It’s usually not “just one cause”, but a layered system variations leading to chronic pain for neurodivergent individuals.

 

What is the “neuroconnective phenotype”?

A proposed model describing people who have:

• Neurodivergence (autism/ADHD)

• Hypermobility or connective tissue differences

• Dysautonomia (e.g., POTS)

• Chronic pain and fatigue

Currently, it’s a research framework and not a formal diagnosis.

 

Why does my body feel unstable or “loose”?

In hypermobility:

• Ligaments don’t stabilize joints well → muscles must compensate → leads to fatigue, guarding, and pain

Many people describe:

• “Floating joints”

• “Falling into positions”

Constant need to brace

 

Why am I both flexible AND stiff?

This is extremely common.

• Hypermobility = too much passive range

• Muscles tighten to protect joints → feels like stiffness

So you can be:

• Very flexible in some directions

• Extremely tight or restricted in others

 

Why does strength training help more than stretching?

Because the core issue is stability, not flexibility.

Strength training:

• Improves joint control

• Reduces micro-injury

• Enhances proprioception

Stretching alone can sometimes worsen instability, but so can strength training if done incorrectly - it is very important to use adaptive capacity and gradual load tolerance.

 

What is proprioception, and why does it matter here?

Proprioception = your brain’s sense of where your body is.

In hypermobility:

• Signals from joints are less reliable → brain has to “guess” more

This leads to:

• Clumsiness

• Overcorrection

• Muscle overuse → pain

 

Why do I get exhausted so easily?

Common reasons include:

• Muscles working overtime to stabilize joints

• Autonomic dysfunction (POTS, etc.)

• Poor movement efficiency

• Chronic pain draining energy

Your body is often doing more work than it should for basic tasks.

 

Is chronic pain in neurodivergence all psychological or anxiety-related?

No—but there is interaction.

• Hypermobility is a physical connective tissue trait

• Pain and dysautonomia are physiological

• Anxiety can co-occur due to:

  • Autonomic differences

  • Interoceptive sensitivity

It’s biological + neurological + experiential, not “just in your head.”

 

Why is hypermobility or chronic pain with neurodivergence often missed or misdiagnosed?

Neurodivergent individuals suffering from hypermobility and chronic pain often get bounced around to various specialties (rheumatology, neurology, psychiatry) treating symptoms but not the underlying issue itself.

• Hypermobility is often dismissed as benign

• Chronic pain without clear injury gets minimized

• Neurodivergence may mask or complicate presentation

So people get labeled with anxiety, Fibromyalgia, or “Unexplained pain” without the full picture being recognized.