ND in the body: The current research on neurodivergence & physical health

What if neurodivergence is as much about the body as it is about the brain?

For decades, neurodivergence has largely been discussed through the lens of behaviour, cognition and mental health. But emerging research is increasingly exploring whether many neurodivergent experiences may also involve differences in whole-body regulation – including the nervous system, immune system, hormones and connective tissue.

This session will explore what current research says, where the evidence is strongest, and which areas remain emerging and debated.

Research areas we’ll explore:

• Nervous system regulation – autonomic function, sensory processing, stress physiology and POTS
• Immune system signalling – inflammation, histamine, mast cells and neuroimmune communication
• Hormones and neuroendocrinology – PMS, PMDD, peri/menopause and hormonal sensitivity in ND people
• Connective tissue and hypermobility – EDS, chronic pain, proprioception and emerging overlap research

We’ll also explore:

• Why burnout may be physical as well as psychological
• Why symptoms often cluster across different body systems
• Why many ND people spend years moving between medical specialties
• What researchers still don’t fully understand

Expect a science-focused but accessible session bridging neuroscience, immunology, endocrinology and systems biology, with practical explanations and real-world context throughout. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the emerging brain-body science of neurodivergence, how different areas of research are beginning to connect and why many researchers are increasingly approaching ND through a more integrated lens.

Presented by:  (NDB) A Neurodiversity Belgium Pride event with Scotti McLaren, Investigative Health

Scotti is a Geneva-based functional medicine practitioner, with a clinical focus on neurodivergence and women’s hormonal health.

Her academic background includes an MSc in Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health (King’s College London), a BSc in Nutritional Science (Middlesex University) and a diploma in Personalised Nutrition Practice (CNELM).

Known for her investigative approach, Scotti uses functional medicine to connect systemic and cellular insights with everyday experience.

Online event
Hosted by the Swiss Pride team & NDB – This webinar will be delivered in English with French subtitles available.

You can find Scotti McLaren Investigative Health here:
https://investigative-health.ch

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodiversitybelgium