Neurodivergence and the lonely brain

Neurodivergence is term that describes those that are not “neurotypical” such as those with autism and ADHD. In the surge of research into loneliness spurred by the pandemic it has also been clear that loneliness has impacted these people much more intensively and also has a relationship with cardiovascular health.

Janine Gronewold has recently reviewed this and explored the reasons behind this. Though this is slightly paradoxical i.e. autistic people do not relate to people in the same way as most of us do and so we may assume, falsely that they don’t want human engagement. In fact, this different pattern of engaging with people is just what has increased stress and loneliness because it has changed patterns and opportunities to interact which can, in this population group increase anxiety and stress and therefore also impact cardiovascular health.

An interesting review and shows that loneliness impacts us all but in different ways and that we should be conscious to engage with neurodivergent individuals – especially during a pandemic.