Hypermobility Physical/Mental health challenges in neurodivergent children and young people!
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A research summary published by The Chartered College of Teaching based on the peer reviewed paper
Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges in Neurodivergent Children and Young People (1)
It is very relevant now to the SEND Education Proposals and responses, the medical guidance and the categories for complex SEND. SEDSConnective are making a response and you can to do this too if you feel strongly about the future education and health equity in neurodivergence and hypermobility for children and young people. This is so relevant now. You can see more about this here :
"The co-occurrence of physical health challenges linked to hypermobility for this population is not well understood-physical symptoms can be mistaken for growing pains, burnout or anxiety, with many children and young people wrongly assumed to be engaging in EBSA ....."
Increased flexibility and awareness: Schools and healthcare providers should receive training to better recognise and understand the physical health challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. This could include training on hypermobility and its implications for students and/or awareness training from SEDSConnective, a charity specialising in supporting individuals with hypermobility and neurodivergent conditions.
Inclusive diagnostics: Dual diagnostic screening should be implemented to identify both neurodivergent conditions and hypermobility. Knowing about the connection between neurodivergence and connective tissue could offer opportunities to improve neurodivergent students’ access to support. SEDSConnective recommends screening hypermobile children for signs of neurodivergence, and vice versa, in the belief that such an approach would be able to successfully identify neurodivergent individuals early – even those from traditionally underdiagnosed groups (e.g. girls)
Greater student involvement: Involving the student in discussions about their health and educational needs is crucial, although many may not be aware of the underlying causes of their symptoms
Further research: More research is necessary to understand the full scope of physical health challenges in neurodivergent populations, particularly among diverse and low-support needs individuals.
REF: Donaghy, B., Moore, D., & Green, J. (2023). Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges in Neurodivergent Children and Young People: A Topical Review and Recommendation. Child Care in Practice, 29(1), 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2022.2149471
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