Dysautonomia and Neurodivergence: The Link Between ADHD, Autism, Hypermobility, and POTS
Increasing research shows a strong connection between dysautonomia and neurodivergence, particularly in individuals with ADHD and autism. Many neurodivergent adults experience chronic symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, gastrointestinal issues, and heart rate irregularities—often without realizing these may be signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Understanding this connection can be life-changing. It can shorten the path to diagnosis, reduce medical gaslighting, and help individuals access appropriate medical and therapeutic care.
Let’s explore how ADHD, autism, POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), hypermobility (EDS/HSD), and MCAS are connected.
What Is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia refers to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) — the system responsible for regulating automatic body functions such as:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Breathing
Digestion
Temperature regulation
Sweating
When the autonomic nervous system is not functioning properly, symptoms can affect multiple body systems.
Two of the most common forms include:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Neurocardiogenic syncope (fainting)
Dysautonomia in ADHD and autism is increasingly recognized, though it is still frequently overlooked in clinical settings.
Common Symptoms of Dysautonomia
Because the autonomic nervous system controls so many bodily functions, symptoms can be wide-ranging and vary in severity.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting (syncope)
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
Heart palpitations
Blood pressure swings
Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating
Constipation or diarrhea
Reflux
Difficulty swallowing
Sweating & Temperature Regulation
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Inability to sweat (anhidrosis)
Heat intolerance
Poor temperature regulation
Cognitive & Neurological Symptoms
Brain fog
Memory issues
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Exercise intolerance
Other Symptoms
Frequent urination or bladder urgency
Blurred vision
Sleep disturbances
Headaches
Anxiety
Weakness
Sexual dysfunction
Two hallmark features of dysautonomia include:
Orthostatic intolerance – feeling worse (dizzy, faint, nauseated) when standing due to blood pooling
Exercise intolerance – symptoms worsening after physical exertion
Many neurodivergent adults report these symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Why Are ADHD and Autism Linked to Dysautonomia?
Research suggests several overlapping pathways connecting neurodivergence and autonomic dysfunction.
1. High Co-Occurrence (Comorbidity)
Studies show a higher prevalence of POTS and dysautonomia in ADHD and autistic individuals compared to the general population. This suggests shared biological pathways.
2. Hypermobility and Connective Tissue Disorders (EDS/HSD)
A major mediator appears to be joint hypermobility, including:
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)
Connective tissue supports blood vessels. When connective tissue is more elastic or fragile, blood pooling can occur more easily—contributing directly to orthostatic intolerance and POTS.
Hypermobility is significantly more common in neurodivergent individuals, suggesting a shared genetic link between:
ADHD
Autism
Hypermobility
Dysautonomia
Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pain, and brain fog are often misattributed to anxiety or psychological causes rather than underlying autonomic dysfunction.
MCAS, Inflammation, and Neurodivergence
Another condition frequently connected to dysautonomia is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
MCAS can cause:
Hives
Asthma-like symptoms
Flushing
Gastrointestinal distress
Anaphylaxis
Less recognized are its neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
Emerging research suggests a possible link between:
Chronic inflammation
Mast cell activation
ADHD
Dysautonomia
Like POTS and EDS, MCAS is often difficult to diagnose and may require evaluation by an allergist-immunologist familiar with the condition.
Why Dysautonomia Is Often Missed or Misdiagnosed
There are several reasons diagnosis can take years:
Symptoms are often “invisible”
They span multiple body systems
Specialists may focus on one organ system at a time
Symptoms are sometimes dismissed as anxiety
Many individuals report experiencing medical gaslighting, being told their symptoms are “in their head.”
If this happens:
Trust your instincts
Bring a support person to appointments
Seek providers experienced in dysautonomia
Practitioners who may diagnose dysautonomia include:
Cardiologists
Neurologists
Autonomic specialists
A geneticist may evaluate hypermobility. An allergist-immunologist may assess for MCAS.
If you’d like to learn more about how therapy can support adults with ADHD, dysautonomia, POTS, hypermobility, and MCAS, visit our Chronic Illness Therapy page to explore our holistic, integrative approach.
The Overlap Between Nervous System Regulation and Neurodivergence
When someone lives with both neurodivergence and autonomic dysfunction, the nervous system is often under chronic strain.
Understanding that:
ADHD involves differences in nervous system regulation
Dysautonomia involves autonomic instability
…can reduce shame and improve self-understanding.
Instead of viewing symptoms as character flaws, we can recognize them as physiological patterns that require support, not judgment.
Practical Principles for Coping
Conserve Energy
Both dysautonomia and ADHD can drain executive function and physical stamina. Pacing is essential.
Challenge Psychological Assumptions
Recognizing dysautonomia as a physical condition improves access to appropriate care.
Seek Knowledgeable Providers
Finding clinicians familiar with POTS, EDS, and MCAS can dramatically reduce time to diagnosis.
Consider Holistic, Integrative Care
Supporting both physical health and neurodivergent regulation can significantly improve quality of life.
Getting Support
At Adult Trauma and ADHD Solutions, we understand the complex relationship between:
ADHD and autism
Dysautonomia and POTS
Hypermobility (EDS/HSD)
MCAS
Medical gaslighting
We offer trauma-informed, nervous system–focused therapy for neurodivergent adults navigating chronic illness. Our work supports:
Nervous system regulation
Processing medical trauma
Reducing shame
Integrating physical and emotional health
If you’re navigating ADHD, dysautonomia, hypermobility, or chronic illness and want support from a therapist who understands both nervous system regulation and neurodivergence, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Dysautonomia and Neurodivergence
Is dysautonomia common in ADHD?
Emerging research suggests that dysautonomia is more common in individuals with ADHD than in the general population. Many adults with ADHD report symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heart rate, brain fog, and fatigue — all of which can be signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. While not everyone with ADHD has dysautonomia, the overlap is significant enough that clinicians are increasingly exploring shared biological and genetic pathways.
Can autism cause POTS?
Autism itself does not directly cause POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). However, research shows higher rates of autonomic dysfunction in autistic individuals. One contributing factor may be joint hypermobility or connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which are more common in neurodivergent populations and can increase the likelihood of developing POTS.
What is the connection between hypermobility and ADHD?
Joint hypermobility — including Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) — is more prevalent in individuals with ADHD and autism. Connective tissue differences can affect blood vessel elasticity, contributing to blood pooling and orthostatic intolerance. This physiological connection may help explain why symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog are common in both hypermobility and ADHD.
What are the most common symptoms of dysautonomia?
Common dysautonomia symptoms include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Fainting (syncope)
Fatigue and exercise intolerance
Brain fog and concentration difficulties
Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
Temperature dysregulation
Sweating abnormalities
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often fluctuate.
What type of doctor diagnoses dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is typically diagnosed by a cardiologist or neurologist, particularly those specializing in autonomic disorders. Some individuals may undergo tilt table testing to evaluate for POTS or orthostatic intolerance. If hypermobility or EDS is suspected, a geneticist or rheumatologist may be consulted. If mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is suspected, an allergist-immunologist is often the appropriate specialist.
Is dysautonomia “just anxiety”?
No. While dysautonomia can cause symptoms that resemble anxiety — such as rapid heart rate, dizziness, and shortness of breath — it is a physiological disorder of the autonomic nervous system. Unfortunately, many individuals experience medical gaslighting before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Recognizing dysautonomia as a physical condition can improve access to appropriate care and reduce stigma.
Can therapy help with dysautonomia?
Therapy cannot cure dysautonomia, but it can help individuals cope with chronic illness, process medical trauma, and develop nervous system regulation strategies. For neurodivergent adults, integrative and somatic approaches can support both emotional regulation and overall well-being while navigating conditions like ADHD, POTS, hypermobility, or MCAS.
References
Eccles, J. (2025). Bendy Bodies, ADHD Brains: Connecting the Dots. ADDitude Magazine.
Kustow, J. (2025). ADHD’s Curious Connections to Chronic Inflammation and Dysautonomia. ADDitude Magazine.
