Neurodivergence and chronic pain

Chronic pain is also more common among people who are neurodivergent — including autistic people, people with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other forms of neurodiversity.

Neurodivergence describes natural variations in how brains process information, sensation, and emotion. It is not a flaw or disorder — but it can shape how the nervous system experiences the world.

Sensory processing and pain

Many neurodivergent people experience:

• Heightened sensory sensitivity (to touch, sound, light, or internal sensations)

• Differences in how the brain filters and prioritises information

• Stronger or more persistent bodily signals

This can mean pain is felt more intensely, spreads more easily, or lingers longer — not because of damage, but because the nervous system is more responsive.

For some people, everyday sensations that others barely notice can become uncomfortable or painful, especially during periods of stress or fatigue.

Overload, masking, and nervous system strain

Living in a world not designed for neurodivergent people often requires ongoing adaptation or masking — consciously or unconsciously suppressing natural responses to fit expectations.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Chronic stress and exhaustion

• Autonomic nervous system dysregulation

• Increased muscle tension and pain

• More frequent pain flare-ups

When the nervous system rarely gets the chance to fully rest or feel safe, pain can become one of the ways the body signals overload.

Neurodivergence, trauma, and pain

There is also significant overlap between neurodivergence and trauma. Neurodivergent individuals are more likely to experience:

• Bullying or social exclusion

• Medical misunderstanding or dismissal

• Repeated experiences of being “too much” or “not enough”

These experiences can compound nervous system sensitivity and increase the risk of persistent pain.

Again, this does not mean pain is psychological — it reflects real, biological changes in how the nervous system processes threat, safety, and sensation.

Why this matters for pain care

Understanding neurodivergence in the context of chronic pain helps clinicians and individuals:

• Move away from one-size-fits-all treatment

• Adapt communication, pacing, and expectations

• Reduce shame and self-criticism

• Focus on regulation, predictability, and choice

For many neurodivergent people, pain improves when care is:

• Sensory-aware

• Flexible and collaborative

• Focused on safety rather than compliance

A strengths-based perspective

Neurodivergent nervous systems are not broken. They are often highly perceptive, creative, intuitive, and resilient.

When pain care works with neurodivergence rather than against it, people are better supported to live meaningful, connected lives — with less fear and struggle around their pain.