“It’s Not Just in Your Head”
- SEDSConnective
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
New Article by Jane Green MBE in SENMagazine
“We are in a groundbreaking era of neuroscience for autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and other neurodivergences. Research now confirms that connective tissue differences in neurodivergent people impact both physical and emotional health. Understanding this link can improve educational approaches, ensuring that physiological factors are considered alongside social and emotional support.
Too often, people who are autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic (DCD) or otherwise neurodivergent and who also have chronic pain, fatigue, or other symptoms are told it’s “all in their head.”
This article firmly challenges that assumption. Jane explains how symptoms like:
Chronic pain
Dysautonomia (such as Orthosatic Intolerance, Postural Tachycardia syndrome, syncope)
Gastrointestinal issues
Sensory processing differences /emotion
Chronic Fatigue/ imflammation
…are all very real and connected. These often go undiagnosed or are misunderstood particularly in neurodivergent individuals.
"If we fail to address the body’s role in neurodivergent experiences, we risk missing crucial opportunities to support students effectively, or improve attendance and attribute more to EBSA anxiety. We need a holistic view of neurodivergent education supported by those who know, can train and support.
I was a missing student in education, dismissed as dim and a hypochondriac always. I left school early and only in later years after becoming a single parent of disabled children I learned to study. I did well but sadly had to medically retire as again not believed to be neurodivergent, I always knew I was different, or disabled and ill.
I learnt to mask my pain, but masking pain invalidates your self worth. We cannot let it continue for the sake of future generations and long lasting mental trauma.”
Read and Share
We invite you to read the article and share it with anyone especially with your MP or local politician, commissioners, health care professionals, Headteachers, SENCos teachers and support workers who may not yet be aware of the links we advocate for every day.
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