148: Exploring the links between hypermobility and neurodivergence

 Airing Pain 148: Links between hypermobility and neurodivergenceReleased on: 5/3/2025This Airing Pain episode explores how neurodivergent individuals experience pain, potential links to hypermobility, and the need for better education to support conditions like autism and ADHD. Neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information. It is an umbrella term used to describe a number of conditions including Autism or Autism Spectrum Conditions; ADHD; Dyscalculia; Dyslexia; Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and more.In this episode:  Dr. Clive Kelly discusses research on co-occurring conditions in neurodivergence, highlighting varied symptoms and how pain perception differs among individuals. Dr Jessica Eccles talks about her research into the relationship between joint hypermobility and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism.  We hear from Ren Martin, an autistic learning disability nurse and mother of three neurodivergent children, and Ceri Reid of Parents Voices in Wales, advocating for better neurodiversity and mental health services. Throughout the episode, we hear from Imogen Warner, whose writings are featured in the Autistic Girls Network, and who highlights the reality of being a young autistic person. Contributors:  Dr. Clive Kelly, Consultant Physician and Rheumatologist, James Cook University Hospital and University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  Dr Jessica Eccles, Reader in Brain-Body Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.  Ren Martin, neurodevelopmental specialist.  Ceri Reid, neurodivergent mother and founder of Parents Voices in Wales. Imogen Warner, student with lived experience of autism and chronic pain.  Jane Green MBE, founder of SEDSConnective We are immensely grateful to The British Humane Association and The Heather Hoy Charitable Trust whose generous grants made this podcast possible.Time Stamps: 00:43 Understanding Neurodivergence and Pain04:46 The Relationship between Hypermobility and Neurodivergence12:06 Gender Differences in Diagnosis and Pain13:49 Ren Martin’s Personal Experience32:27 Diagnosis for Neurodivergent Individuals35:18 Challenges in Education for Neurodivergent Children42:40 Training for Educators and Healthcare WorkersLinks Referred to in this Episode:    School toolkit for JHS and EDS - School Toolkit for EDS and JHS Parents Voices in Wales: Resources & Key Documents – Parents Voices in Wales CIC Autistic Girls Network: https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/ Ehlers-Danloss Society: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com Hypermobility Syndrome Association. - The HMSA | The Hypermobility Syndromes Association Healios: https://healios.org.uk/ SEDSConnective: https://www.sedsconnective.org/  If you have any feedback about Airing Pain, you can leave us a review via our Airing Pain survey