Airing Pain #148 Trailer: Links between Hypermobility and Neurodivergence

This edition of Airing Pain 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 excerpts from Imogen Warner’s protest letter, which challenges the UK Government’s school attendance campaign and 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 and author of a protest letter in response to the UK government’s School Attendance Campaign

Jane Green MBE, founder of SEDSConnective

Thanks

We are immensely grateful to The British Humane Association and The Heather Hoy Charitable Trust whose generous grants made this podcast possible. 

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