Navigating life with a chronic illness is already complex, but for those who are also neurodivergent, the challenges can multiply. Neurodivergence refers to variations in the human brain and cognition, which can include conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and more. Living with both neurodivergence and a chronic illness can create a unique and often overlooked set of experiences that impact daily functioning, well-being and the ability to thrive in a world that often isn’t built with these challenges in mind.

In this post, we’ll explore how neurodivergence and chronic illness can intersect, how one can exacerbate the other and practical strategies for managing these overlapping realities.

Understanding Neurodivergence and Chronic Illness

Neurodivergence refers to brain function that differs from what is typically expected. This includes conditions like:

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Tourette Syndrome and more.

People who are neurodivergent often process information differently, have unique strengths and face specific challenges in a world that caters to neurotypical ways of thinking and behaving.

Chronic illness, on the other hand, includes conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), asthma, lupus and many others. These conditions often cause persistent symptoms like pain, fatigue and cognitive issues, which can severely impact a person’s quality of life.

When neurodivergence and chronic illness coexist, they can intensify each other’s challenges. Here’s how:

The Impact of Cognitive Overload

One of the biggest challenges for neurodivergent individuals is managing cognitive load, or the amount of mental effort required to complete tasks. Conditions like ADHD or autism can make daily tasks more demanding, as they often require extra focus, planning, or energy to execute. Add a chronic illness to the mix and the cognitive load becomes even heavier.

Example: If you have ADHD, your brain may already struggle with executive functioning tasks like planning, organising, or remembering important details. When you also experience chronic fatigue or brain fog from a chronic illness, these tasks become exponentially harder. You may find yourself frequently forgetting medication doses, missing appointments, or feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.

Practical Strategy: To manage cognitive overload, try using external tools like apps, reminders, or visual schedules to offload some of the mental burden. Apps like Todoist or Notion can help you keep track of tasks and appointments, reducing the stress of having to remember everything.

Sensory Sensitivities and Chronic Pain

Many neurodivergent people, especially those on the autism spectrum, experience heightened sensory sensitivities. This means that certain sounds, lights, textures, or smells can feel overwhelming or even painful. When you add chronic pain or discomfort from an illness like fibromyalgia, these sensitivities can become even more difficult to tolerate.

Example: Imagine you’re someone who is highly sensitive to touch and experiences chronic joint pain. Wearing clothing that feels restrictive or rough can become a source of distress, making it hard to get comfortable or focus on anything else.

Practical Strategy: Prioritise sensory-friendly clothing and environments. Invest in soft, loose clothing that doesn’t aggravate your pain and create a calming space in your home where you can retreat when things get overwhelming. Noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets and blackout curtains can also be helpful tools.

The Fatigue and Burnout Cycle

Fatigue is a common symptom of many chronic illnesses, but neurodivergent individuals may also experience fatigue from trying to mask their symptoms or fit into neurotypical expectations. For example, masking refers to the practice of hiding one’s neurodivergent traits to appear more “socially acceptable,” which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Example: If you have autism, you might find social interactions draining and need extra time to recover afterwards. When you also have a chronic illness, that recovery time may not be enough, leading to a cycle of fatigue and burnout that feels impossible to break.

Practical Strategy: Give yourself permission to unmask and honour your body’s need for rest. Set boundaries around social interactions and high-energy activities and don’t be afraid to say no or cancel plans if you’re not feeling well. Self-compassion is key.

Emotional Regulation Challenges

Many neurodivergent people struggle with emotional regulation, meaning it’s harder to manage and recover from intense emotions. Chronic illness can exacerbate this, as pain and fatigue can make emotions feel even more difficult to control.

Example: You might experience heightened anxiety or irritability when you’re dealing with a flare-up of your chronic illness, making it harder to handle everyday stressors. Alternatively, the frustration of dealing with symptoms that limit your life can lead to feelings of hopelessness or anger.

Practical Strategy: Build an emotional regulation toolkit with strategies that work for you. This might include mindfulness practices, grounding techniques, or talking to a therapist who understands the intersection of neurodivergence and chronic illness. Apps like Headspace or Calm can offer guided breathing exercises and meditations.

Navigating Healthcare with Both Conditions

Healthcare systems are often not well-equipped to understand or support the overlap between neurodivergence and chronic illness. Many people face difficulties explaining their experiences to healthcare providers or advocating for appropriate care, especially if one condition is dismissed in favour of focusing on the other.

Example: If you have ADHD, you may struggle to remember or articulate your symptoms clearly during medical appointments. This can lead to feeling misunderstood or not taken seriously, particularly if your chronic illness symptoms are fluctuating or hard to measure.

Practical Strategy: Prepare for appointments in advance by writing down your symptoms, questions and concerns. Bringing a trusted friend or family member for support can also be helpful. Consider keeping a health diary to track your symptoms and share it with your healthcare provider for a clearer picture of your health.

Final Thoughts

Living with both neurodivergence and chronic illness can be incredibly challenging, but understanding how these conditions impact each other can help you develop more effective coping strategies. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, use tools that make life easier and advocate for your needs, even when it feels tough.

If you think the overlap between neurodivergence and chronic illness might be affecting you, reach out to your GP or healthcare professional for advice. They can help guide you to the appropriate support and resources tailored to your unique situation.

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Disclaimer:

The content in this blog is based on my personal experience of living with chronic illness and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your GP or healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, work routine, or health management. The tips and strategies shared here can be used alongside medical advice to support your well-being.