Recognizing the Signs of Hypermobility in Your Child Can Lead to Better Understanding and Support
Hypermobility is characterized by joints that have an unusual range of motion. To determine if your child might be hypermobile, you can observe if they can put their hands flat on the floor without bending their knees, bend their thumb back to touch their wrist, or contort their body into strange shapes. If your child scores two or more on these tests, there is a strong possibility they are hypermobile. Recognizing these signs early can help you understand their physical capabilities and challenges better, allowing you to provide the necessary support and accommodations.
Understanding the Link Between ADHD, Hypermobility, and Your Child’s Health
As a parent, learning that your child has ADHD and hypermobility can be overwhelming. The connection between these conditions is not widely recognized, but it’s crucial to understand how they might affect your child’s physical and mental health. Dr. Jessica Eckles, a hypermobility expert, has shed light on this hidden link, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the whole-body experience of ADHD. While schools may not always provide the necessary support, you, as a parent, have the power to make a significant difference with the tools and resources available to you.
ADHD and Hypermobility Are Linked to a Variety of Physical and Mental Health Challenges
Dr. Jessica Eckles explains that hypermobility is not just about flexibility but about the body’s connective tissue, which can lead to numerous health issues. Children with ADHD and hypermobility may experience problems such as gastro issues, asthma, allergies, and a sensitive nervous system that can manifest as anxiety. Understanding these connections can help you advocate for your child’s health needs more effectively, ensuring they receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental well-being.
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ADHD is an entire body condition that it is an embodied experience that isn’t just in the mind.
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Identifying Strengths and Challenges Can Help Your Child Thrive
While hypermobility can present challenges, it also comes with strengths. Children with this condition may excel in activities requiring exceptional flexibility, such as gymnastics or ballet. However, they may also be more prone to injuries and joint dislocations. By identifying these strengths and challenges, you can help your child find activities that suit their abilities and provide the necessary support to prevent injuries. Encouraging their talents while managing their health can lead to a balanced and fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways:
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Understanding the Physical Connection: Parents should be aware that ADHD is not only a brain condition but an entire body experience. Children with ADHD may also have hypermobility, characterized by unusually flexible joints due to differences in their connective tissue. This can lead to physical challenges such as increased risk of injuries, joint dislocations, and other medical issues like gastrointestinal problems, asthma, and allergies. Recognizing these physical symptoms can help parents better support their child's overall health and well-being.
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Addressing Emotional Regulation: Children with ADHD often experience difficulties with emotional regulation, which can be exacerbated by hypermobility. This may manifest as intense emotions, rejection sensitivity, and struggles with uncertainty about their physical space. Parents can help by understanding these emotional challenges and exploring interventions that improve proprioception and core stability, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, which may also aid in better emotional regulation.
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Seeking Comprehensive Support: Parents should seek out comprehensive resources and support for their children, considering both their neurodivergent and hypermobile needs. Organizations like ADHD Aware and the Ehlers-Danlos Society offer valuable information and tools. Additionally, consulting with healthcare professionals who understand the connection between ADHD and hypermobility can lead to more effective management strategies, including addressing chronic pain and fatigue that may be linked to these conditions.
Utilizing Tools and Strategies to Improve Proprioception and Neuroplasticity Can Benefit Your Child’s Development
One of the key areas where you can make a significant impact is by helping your child improve their sense of Proprioception. This involves understanding where their body is in space, which can be challenging for children with ADHD and hypermobility. Engaging with physiotherapists or occupational therapists can provide strategies such as using balance boards or core stability training. Additionally, leveraging the concept of Neuroplasticity can help your child’s brain adapt and develop new pathways, improving their overall functioning and well-being.
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We might be able to improve emotion regulation in neurodivergent people not with drugs or brain stuff or psychotherapy but by helping them improve where they think they are in space.
”Overcoming the Challenge of Chronic Pain and Fatigue Can Lead to a Better Quality of Life for Your Child
One of the most significant challenges your child may face is chronic pain and fatigue, which can be exacerbated by hypermobility. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping them overcome these hurdles. By working with healthcare professionals and utilizing resources like the GP toolkit from the Ehlers-Danlos Society, you can help manage these symptoms effectively. Understanding the concept of Neuroplasticity https://learningsuccess.ai/neurogenesis-and-neuroplasticity/ can also be beneficial, as it highlights the brain’s ability to adapt and potentially improve your child’s resilience to pain. Your dedication to understanding and addressing these issues can lead to a better quality of life for your child, allowing them to engage more fully in activities they enjoy and thrive in their daily life.
Discover how to support your child’s unique needs with ADHD and hypermobility by enhancing their sense of where their body is in space. Download the Focus Foundations eBook to learn effective strategies that can help improve their focus and physical well-being.
