Recurrent pain more common, more disruptive in neurodivergent young adults

A cross-sectional analysis of 4961 Australian young adults (18-21 years) from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children compared self-reported recurrent pain between those identifying as neurodivergent (autism and/or ADHD) and neurotypical peers. The study found recurrent pain in 38% of neurodivergent young adults versus 27% of neurotypical peers, with neurodivergent young adults reporting more missed school/work days, higher emotional distress, more physical comorbidities, and greater educational and vocational disruption. The authors describe this as a compounding effect of neurodivergence and pain.

Most relevant for: Young adults aged 18-21 who are autistic and/or have ADHD, particularly those experiencing recurrent pain alongside educational or vocational transitions.

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