Ever felt like your brain and your body were plotting a joint rebellion? You might not be wrong. More and more people are reporting a double whammy: they’re neurodivergent and dealing with autoimmune battles – psoriasis, fibromyalgia, eczema, even mysterious aches that doctors shrug off with a “Try yoga?” There’s smoke here, darling, and we’re about to sniff out the fire.
What Counts as Autoimmune, and Why Should ND Folks Care?
Autoimmune conditions are, in essence, your body throwing a dramatic fit – mistaking friendly tissues for enemy invaders. Think immune system in a spin cycle. What’s fascinating is the growing pile of research and anecdotal evidence showing a strong overlap with neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and autism.
The Hidden Link: Stress, Sensory Overload, and Nervous System Chaos
Your nervous system and immune system are like sisters who share a flat: constantly reacting to each other. Neurodivergent people often live in a state of heightened sensitivity, sounds too loud, lights too bright, expectations too high. Chronic stress? It’s the wallpaper. And that kind of pressure cooker environment is a known trigger for autoimmune flare-ups.
Now imagine your brain is trying to manage executive dysfunction and an immune system stuck on the “self-destruct” setting. It’s no wonder so many ND folks report fatigue, skin flare-ups, gut issues, and pain.
Which ND Branches Get Hit Hardest?
Here’s where things get intriguing, and a tad murky. The research is still emerging, but here’s what’s being spotted in the wild:
| ND Type | Most Common Autoimmune Companions | Notes |
| ADHD | Psoriasis, eczema, IBS | Stress-reactivity and impulsive lifestyles can worsen symptoms |
| Autism | Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, POTS, celiac disease | Sensory processing and gut-brain axis heavily implicated |
| Dyslexia & Dyspraxia | Less conclusive, but often overlap with fatigue syndromes | More studies needed |
| Tourette’s & OCD | High inflammation markers, possible autoimmune involvement | Some links to PANDAS (autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders) |
Can You Do Anything About It?
Yes, thankfully. You’re not doomed to scratch your way through life while trying to remember where you put your socks. Here’s what can help:
1. Lower the Sensory Load
Think noise-cancelling headphones, dimmable lights, routines that reduce overwhelm. The less stressed your brain, the calmer your body.
2. Identify Triggers, Not Just Symptoms
Gluten, dairy, certain fabrics, social overstimulation, find your kryptonite and plan your escape.
3. Gut Health = Brain + Immune Health
Probiotics, prebiotics, and actual vegetables. A gut-friendly diet can soothe both immune tantrums and ND meltdowns.
4. Movement, But Make It Kind
Forget punishment workouts. Gentle walking, stretching, swimming, even dancing badly in your kitchen, movement helps regulate both brain fog and inflammation.
5. Medical Allies Who Get It
Find doctors who don’t dismiss you as “anxious” or “dramatic.” You need allies who respect the neuroimmune connection.
6. Track Your Flare-Ups
Keep a symptom journal. Apps like Bearable or simple bullet journal entries can help you connect dots over time.
Are We Finally Seeing the Bigger Picture?
Historically, medicine has treated the brain and body like separate departments, barely on speaking terms. But ND folks are proving that this division doesn’t hold. Autoimmune issues and neurodivergence are often two sides of the same overstimulated coin.
ND brains are wired for intensity. That same intensity can fuel chronic immune responses, especially if trauma, stress, or neglect were early guests at the party. It’s not a weakness; it’s an invitation to dig deeper.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Imagining It
You’re not being lazy. You’re not being dramatic. You’re navigating a body that’s doing its best with a nervous system on high alert and an immune system that missed the memo about self-care. There’s a pattern here, and the more we talk about it, the more empowered we become.
What do you think? Have you noticed any health overlaps with your ND traits?
*This image is AI-generated with prompts made by me and serves no educational purpose, it is only used to highlight certain aspects of this article.
