Neurodiversity and hypermobility: weaving yarns for a rich tapestry of lived experience
27 Nov 2024
The Hands-On Hub
Clinical Reasoning
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Massage & Manual Therapy
In this insightful talk on a very current topic, Bonnie Southgate explores the often-overlooked intersection of Hypermobility and Neurodivergence. Beginning with a presentation of key statistics on prevalence and emerging evidence, the talk will highlight how these conditions frequently intersect and profoundly impact individuals' lives. The discussion will delve into the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism or ADHD whose hypermobility has been overlooked, leading to misunderstandings of their feelings and functioning, which may shape their entire lives.
By weaving together these threads of personal stories supported by emerging evidence, attendees will gain clinically relevant options for a more holistic practice underpinned by a narrative that promotes a richer, more individualized approach to wellbeing, while understanding the functional and sensory challenges the neurodivergent individuals may encounter.
- Theory to Practice:
- 1. Neurodivergent individuals and hypermobility as part of a wider picture of pain response.
- 2. Understand the functional and sensory challenges that people with ADHD and autism may face, including issues related to proprioception, heightened senses (such as hearing and smell), altered perceptions of hunger and thirst, anxiety, and other sensory-functional concerns.
- 3. Explore clinically applicable strategies for adapting the biopsychosocial model to provide individualized care for neurodivergent clients, recognizing that standard approaches may need modification.