Neurodiversity and Embodiment: Part 1 of a new mini-series

Introduction 

Hi, my name is Georgia and I’m a nutrition student currently on a placement with Body Happy Org. I was diagnosed with autism as an adult, which impacted my interoception at a young age, as I did not fully understand my body or senses.

Interoception is the process of sensing internal bodily signals. Embodiment integrates these internal signals with other sensory information. Both refer to the individual bodily experience of being aware and connected to your body and senses. Essentially, they refer to the individual experience of your body, understanding and being in sync with your body and its sensations. For example, knowing your hunger cues, tiredness, and stress (1).  

In this blog I will be exploring the challenges of embodiment for neurodiverse people and what approaches can be implemented to improve inclusivity. 

Embodiment and body image: 

Embodiment can be heightened through activities which allow you as an individual to be present and listen to your body. Some examples of this include gardening, meditation, yoga, walking, journaling and art.  

Visual examples of embodiment - yoga, art, journaling and gardening.

The movement aspect of Yoga can be a form of physical exercise, but more as a mindful practice, focusing on the connection of body, mind and breath. It uses deep breathing and physical poses to stretch and relieve the body of tension and stress. Yoga can be great not only for mental wellbeing but also physical health, reducing risks of health-related diseases like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (2). 

Gardening can also be beneficial for the same reasons. This is a purposeful activity to grow plants like fruit and vegetables, enabling people to connect with the earth and nature. Similarly to yoga, gardening has great physical benefits. Being outside can also help reduce sensory stimuli, increasing feelings of connection with nature and internally. This can replenish our cognitive functioning and help to combat stress and build resilience (3). 

The mindful and self-regulation aspects of these activities can also help to improve body image by encouraging us to connect with how our bodies feel, rather than how they look. This practice of observing your body without judgement or strong emotions can also help build self-awareness and connection. It can give us the agency to shift from self-criticism to compassion, allowing us to reflect on thoughts and feelings, recognising negative patterns, and change them into more supportive and positive narratives (4).  

Neurodiversity and interOception experience: 

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that refers to people who have different neurological or cognitive functioning, which falls outside the societal norm, which is sometimes referred to as “neurotypical”. Examples of neurodiversity include people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and more.  

Due to this difference of cognition, neurodivergent individuals have a unique way of processing and perceiving information. Primarily, around the five senses – taste, touch, smell, sight and sound. We can process information in two ways, either with high or low sensitivity to the stimuli, either seeking or avoiding sensory input.  

Visual forms of stimming.

Because of the spectrum of processing sensory stimuli, this can cause us to experience different challenges or limitations in certain environments. We may find it helps to use sensory tools and stimulation to calm or regulate. We may also find participating in embodiment activities hard due to sensory needs. For example, as an autistic person, I have a mixture of sensory avoidant and seeking needs. Yoga can be great for me to do as I enjoy stretching, but depending on the day, I can struggle to stay focused or stimulated enough to be present and connected during the practice.

Stimming - a self-regulating movement involving the senses to sooth and calm the body’s nervous system - can be a form of embodiment for us. Examples of stimming include hand flapping, rocking, jumping and humming. Stimming is harmless behaviour and can be beneficial; it can help to process information and also feel enjoyable.

However, in society this form of embodiment can be met with judgement, discouragement or even punishment. This is due to stigma - as the lack of awareness and education around neurodiversity can lead this behaviour to be viewed as socially unacceptable. This may result in many people feeling they have to mask or camouflage their stims and traits, causing feelings of shame and low esteem. People may feel disconnected and dissatisfied with themselves and their body, because they’re unable to meet their needs and express their true selves. This can put us more at risk of having poor body image (5).  

In the next blog, I will continue to explore this topic but from the perspective within a school environment.

References: 

1. Lundh, L. Foster, L. 2024. Embodiment as a synthesis of having a body and being a body, and its role in self-identity and mental health. New Ideas in Psychology. 74. 

2. Zhang, D. Lee, E. Mak, E. Ho, C. Wong, S. 2021. Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review. Oxford University Press.  

3. Pantiru, I. Ronaldson, A. Sima, N. Dregan, A. Sima, R. 2024. The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews. 13(45).  

4. Gopan, H. Rajkumar, E. Gopi, A. Romate, J. 2023. Mindfulness-based interventions for body image dissatisfaction among clinical population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Health Psychology. 29(2), 488-509.  

5. Alper, M. 2018. Inclusive sensory ethnography: Studying new media and neurodiversity in everyday life. New Media & Society. 20(10).