It's NOT all in your head: The Hidden Link Between ADHD, Autism, Hormones and the Nervous System

By Amelia Read, Clinical Psychologist | Autistic + ADHD | Founder, The Neurodiverse Network Psychology Clinic Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast.

"I'm exhausted, dizzy, in pain, overwhelmed, and no one seems to understand how it's all connected." Sound familiar?

For many neurodivergent women and AFAB individuals, this isn’t just a one-off complaint — it’s a daily reality. One that’s long been misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed entirely.

But we’re finally starting to understand the truth behind the chaos — and it’s changing everything.

Neurodivergence Is Not Just in the Brain — It’s in the Body

For years, Autism and ADHD were studied almost exclusively through male-centric, childhood behavioural models. But when we listen to neurodivergent women, another story emerges — one that includes:

• Chronic fatigue and dizziness

• Sensory overwhelm

• Hormonal crashes and intense PMS

• Food intolerances and digestive issues

• Joint hypermobility or chronic pain

  
  

This isn’t a random collection of unrelated symptoms — it’s a pattern. And the missing link lies in our connective tissue, immune systems, and hormones.

The Web of Overlap: ADHD, Autism, PMDD, MCAS, hEDS, and POTS

Here’s what the latest research and lived experience are revealing:

• Autism and ADHD often coexist and are more common in women than previously believed — especially those who mask or internalise.

• PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) affects up to 50% of autistic women and nearly 90% of women with ADHD*

• MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), where the immune system overreacts, often co-occurs with connective tissue disorders like hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) — both of which are common in neurodivergent women.

• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), causing dizziness and rapid heart rate, is frequently seen in both autistic and hypermobile individuals.

  
  

All of these conditions are amplified by hormonal fluctuations, sensory load, immune triggers, and stress — creating a perfect storm of multisystem overwhelm.

So... Why Is This Happening?

Because neurodivergent bodies are sensitive, responsive, and non-linear — and they were never meant to fit a neurotypical mould.

In autistic and ADHD individuals:

• Dopamine regulation is different

• Sensory and emotional thresholds are lower

• Hormonal shifts hit harder

• And when you throw in connective tissue that’s too stretchy, and an immune system on high alert, everything becomes louder, more chaotic, and harder to manage.

  
  

The One Thing That Changes Everything?

Validation — and Whole-Body Support.

For decades, neurodivergent women have been told:

“It’s just anxiety, or maybe it’s depression? You are overreacting!”

But they are not.They are living in beautifully complex bodies that are screaming for a new model of care.

How We Support Neurodivergent Women in the Gold Coast:

At our Burleigh Heads Psychology Clinic, we do things differently. We take a neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, body-aware approach that looks at:

• The nervous system, not just behaviours

• The cycle, not just the symptoms

• The whole person, not just the diagnosis

  
  

Whether you’re dealing with ADHD autism hormones PMDD, chronic fatigue, sensory issues, or just feeling like “something’s not right,” you will be believed, supported, and empowered.

Our services include:

• Neurodiversity-affirming psychology

• Support with sensory and emotional regulation

• Hormone–neurodivergence education

• Group programs, parent workshops, and more

Final Words

If you’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or gaslit by the system — you are not alone. You are not broken.You are neurodivergent in a world not built for you — and we’re here to help you rebuild it your way.

*Edited 3/9/25 to correct error - percentage numbers were written around the wrong way. The correct is 50% Autistic Women and 90% Women with ADHD.

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Amelia Read - Clinical Psychologist & Founder / Director of The Neurodiverse Network, Gold Coast.

The Neurodiverse Network is a neuro-affirming clinic on the Gold Coast, specialising in ADHD and Autism assessments for children, teenagers, and adults. The experienced team brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. The Neurodiverse Network also offer neurodiverse support groups for teens, online workshops, and tailored therapy services. As registered NDIS providers on the Gold Coast, they are committed to supporting individuals and families.

Celebrating Neurodiversity, Together.

This article was written by Amelia Read and AI was used for proof reading purposes.