Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) is a condition where the range of motion of the body's joints is greater than the average in the population, allowing them to bend and stretch beyond normal limits. This condition often results from genetic variations in the structure or production of the body's connective tissues (especially collagen protein), which are responsible for the stability and strength of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and skin.
When hypermobility is accompanied by chronic pain, a tendency for joint dislocations, or damage to other body systems, it is defined as a clinical syndrome - such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
The Fascinating Connection to Neurodiversity (Autism and ADHD)
In recent years, many scientific studies have revealed a sharp and unusual connection between hypermobility and neurological differences: autistic people, those with ADHD, and AuDHD profiles are at a significantly higher risk (several times greater than the general population) of having HSD or an EDS diagnosis.
The link between physical hypermobility and different neurological wiring affects several critical aspects:
Impaired Proprioception (Body Position Sense): Because the connective tissues in the joints are too soft and lax, the brain receives blurred and weak information about the precise location of body parts in space. This leads to motor clumsiness, a tendency to bump into objects, and unstable walking. To compensate for this deficit, the person may engage in active sensory seeking or intense stimming (such as applying deep pressure, sitting in "unusual" and twisted positions, or tightly crossing legs) just to help the brain "feel" the body.
Executive Functioning and Chronic Fatigue: Due to lax ligaments, the muscles of a hypermobile person have to work twice as hard to keep the skeleton stable and prevent dislocations. This chronic and subtle physical effort burns an enormous amount of energy (according to Spoon Theory). The person wakes up tired, suffers from severe brain fog, and experiences a drastic decrease in Executive Functioning and decision-making, which accelerates the onset of Sensory Hangover and Autistic Burnout.
Anxiety and the Autonomic Nervous System: Hypermobility often comes in combination with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) - a variation in autonomic nervous system activity. When the person stands up, blood pools in the legs due to lax blood vessels, and the heart compensates with a very rapid heartbeat. The body interprets the rapid heartbeat as a danger and floods the system with adrenaline. This physiological state produces sudden feelings of anxiety, irritability, and RSD, regardless of any actual psychological event.
Symptoms of Syndromic Hypermobility
Skeletal System: Chronic joint and muscle pain, recurrent dislocations or subluxations (a joint partially coming out of place), frequent sprains, and tendonitis.
Digestive System: Complex digestive problems, laxity of digestive system muscles, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Skin and Tissues: Soft, very stretchy, fragile skin that bruises easily (blue marks appear from light touch), and slow wound healing.
Combined Sensory Overload: A close link to MCAS, which causes extreme allergies and sensitivities to foods, smells, and textures, and intensifies Sensory Overload.
Reasonable Accommodations and Self-Compassion
In the fight against social and medical Ableism, it is important to understand that many behaviors mistakenly considered "behavioral problems" or "laziness" in neurodivergent children and adults are actually regulation attempts by a hypermobile body:
Ergonomic Accommodations: Allowing alternative seating (such as physio chairs, supportive stools, or sitting cross-legged on a chair) and avoiding prolonged and exhausting standing.
Controlled Physical Support: Adapted physiotherapy (focusing on strengthening stabilizing muscles rather than stretching), using joint stabilizers (splints/tapes) when necessary, and using heavy weights (like a weighted blanket) to improve proprioception.
Unmasking: Granting legitimacy for frequent rest, without guilt or internalized ableism, with the understanding that the body is engaged in a daily and exhausting physiological struggle to maintain its stability.
