Neurodiversity in hEDS

Introduction

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how brains develop and process information. Conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia) and Tourette’s syndrome all sit under the neurodiversity umbrella. Over the past decade, research has shown that these conditions occur disproportionately often in people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS): a 2025 meta-analysis found that almost 28 – 39 % of autistic individuals meet criteria for hEDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)PubMed, while matched-cohort studies report up to 66 % co-occurrence of ADHD with joint hypermobilityPMC.

Dr Stephanie Barrett bridges rheumatology, pain neuroscience and neurostimulation (rTMS), offering joined-up care that recognises the whole-person impact of being both hypermobile and neurodivergent.

What is Neurodiversity in hEDS?

In hEDS, stretchy collagen alters proprioceptive and vestibular feedback; this, together with autonomic dysregulation and chronic pain, may shape sensory development and executive-function pathways in the brain. Preliminary data suggest shared genetic variants in connective-tissue and neuroimmune genes, plus evidence that impaired proprioception can influence motor, attention and social-communication skillsPMC.

The result is a bi-directional relationship: hypermobility can exacerbate neurodivergent traits (e.g. low muscle tone worsening dyspraxia), while ADHD-related impulsivity or autistic sensory-avoidance can heighten joint strain and fatigue.

Symptoms of Neurodiversity in hEDS

Common Features you might notice:

Attention & Executive Function
Inattention, time-blindness, hyper-focus bursts, disorganisation
Social-Communication
Difficulty reading body-language, literal interpretation, “masking” fatigue
Motor & Coordination
Clumsiness, frequent sprains, handwriting or shoe-lace challenges

Sensory Processing
Noise, light, fabric or temperature hypersensitivity; craving deep pressure

Emotional Regulation
Rapid mood shifts, shutdowns or meltdowns under sensory overload

Physical Overlap
Headaches, gastrointestinal upset, autonomic flares (POTS-like tachycardia) triggered by stress or sensory load

Because chronic pain and central sensitisation are common in hEDS, sensory inputs can feel louder than they do for neurotypical peers, intensifying overwhelm.

How to get a diagnosis

Dr Barrett follows NICE neurodevelopmental pathways, adding hypermobility-specific assessments from allied health professionals:

Comprehensive history – developmental milestones, school reports, joint injuries, sensory triggers.
Standardised screeners – ASRS-v1.1 (ADHD), AQ-10 (autism), DCDQ (dyspraxia), Yale Global Tic Scale.
Physical exam – in rheumatology. we use the 2017 international criteria to distinguish between hEDS and HSD–Beighton score and proprioception tests. Autonomic vitals may be included. We also assess for anxiety and depression using screening questionnaires .These parameters are monitored if RTMS sessions are used
Neuropsychological testing – working-memory, processing-speed, motor-planning batteries.
Collaborative formulation – integrating pain, autonomic and mast-cell data to exclude look-alikes (e.g. brain-fog from dysautonomia).

When results meet DSM-5 / ICD-11 criteria, a referral is made to specialist neurodevelopmental teams (we have linked psychiatrists and psychologists trained in ADHD and ASD who are aware of the brain/body links in hypermobility and neurodiversity, working within our team. assessments can be made to formally diagnose ADHD/ASD are arranged so that formal diagnoses will be able to be acted upon to unlock educational accommodations and medication where appropriate.

Treatment for neurodiversity in hEDS

Psychoeducation & Environmental Adaptation
Understanding the joint-brain link empowers patients to pace activities, use noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets or ergonomic pens, and negotiate school or workplace adjustments.

Occupational & Physiotherapy Integration
Joint-stabilising exercise programmes are blended with sensory-integration therapy and motor-skill scaffolding to address dyspraxia while protecting hypermobile joints.

Medication (Tailored)
Stimulants, BUPRRENORPHINE or atomoxetine for ADHD
SSRIs or atypical antipsychotics for severe anxiety or rigidity
Low-dose β-blockers or antihistamines if neurodivergent stress triggers POTS or MCAS flares
Regular reviews ensure doses adapt to fluctuating autonomic tone and pain levels.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) – Emerging Option
A 2025 systematic review showed significant improvement in overall ADHD symptoms with active rTMS vs. shamFrontiers, while low-frequency prefrontal protocols and theta-burst stimulation are being trialled in ASD BY PSYCHIATRISTS with promising gains in executive-function and social cognitionPMCScienceDirect. For Chronic Pain/Fibromyalgia, Dr Barrett offers precision-navigated DLPFC with low frequency protocols which also reduce anxiety and depression or medial-prefrontal sessions, adjusted for headache thresholds common in hEDS.

Psychological Support
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy adapted for neurodivergent learning styles, coaching for executive-function, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy help manage chronic pain and sensory overwhelm.

Community & Education Liaison
Dr Barrett provides detailed medical letters to facilitate Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs), university disabled-students’ allowances or workplace reasonable adjustments, ensuring that hypermobility-related fatigue and neurodivergent needs are both recognised.

Ready to harmonise body and brain?

Living with both hypermobility and neurodivergent wiring can feel like running different software on flexible hardware — challenging, but also rich in creativity and empathy. With a clinician who understands the full hEDS-neurodiversity landscape, you can convert challenges into strengths and reduce pain, overwhelm and fatigue.

Book a holistic assessment with Dr Stephanie Barrett and start a plan that honours your unique neural style while safeguarding your joints and wellbeing.