Endorphins: The Body's Natural Uplifters – How Movement, Sensation, and Comfort Might Differ in Neurodivergent Experiences

Let's delve into the final, yet equally fascinating, component of the popular "DOSE" acronym: Endorphins. Often celebrated for producing the euphoric "runner's high," Endorphins are the body's remarkable natural pain relievers and mood boosters. They are released in response to stress, pain, intense physical activity, and even pleasurable stimuli like laughter or certain foods, acting as internal comfort chemicals that promote a sense of well-being and resilience.

In the typical understanding, as outlined in resources like TJ Power's "The DOSE Effect," Endorphins represent the "E" – signifying their role in providing comfort and reducing discomfort. They modulate our perception of pain, help us push through physical challenges, and contribute to positive feelings after exercise or other strenuous activities. This system is crucial for survival, encouraging us to persevere and rewarding us with feelings of relief or pleasure.

However, like the other neurotransmitters in the DOSE quartet, the experience and influence of Endorphins can vary across the neurodiversity spectrum. Neurodivergent individuals may have different sensitivities to pain, find comfort in unique ways, or engage with physical and sensory input in patterns that differ from neurotypical expectations. Exploring these potential variations helps us understand and respect the diverse ways bodies and minds seek regulation and well-being.

While research into Endorphins specifically within neurodivergent populations is still evolving, several areas suggest potential differences in how these natural uplifters function or are experienced:

• Variations in Pain Perception: Some neurodivergent individuals report different pain thresholds – either higher or lower sensitivity compared to neurotypical individuals. This varied pain processing could potentially involve differences in how Endorphins are released or how the brain responds to their pain-modulating effects. A person might be less reactive to injury or, conversely, experience everyday stimuli as physically uncomfortable or even painful.

• Stimming as Self-Regulation: Repetitive movements or self-stimulatory behaviours, often known as "stimming," are common and often crucial self-regulation tools for many neurodivergent people, particularly those with Autism or ADHD. Stimming can include hand flapping, rocking, pacing, or engaging with specific textures or sounds. There is a hypothesis that stimming might, in some cases, trigger the release of Endorphins, providing a sense of calm, comfort, or needed sensory input that helps manage anxiety or overwhelm. This isn't just a 'fidget'; it could be a biologically driven mechanism for well-being.

• Sensory Seeking Through Movement: For neurodivergent individuals who are hypo-sensitive to certain inputs, intense physical activity or specific types of movement (like spinning, deep pressure, or swinging) might be sought out precisely because they provide significant sensory feedback that feels regulating or even pleasurable. This drive could be linked to Endorphin release or the overall sensory-seeking behaviour that helps the brain feel "just right."

• Impact of Physical Activity: While exercise is widely recommended for its Endorphin-boosting mood benefits, the type of activity that is enjoyable or regulating can vary greatly. Neurodivergent individuals might find competitive sports overwhelming due to social or sensory demands but thrive in solitary activities like swimming, running, or specific forms of dance that provide predictable, deep sensory input. The Endorphin reward is likely still present, but the path to accessing it might look different.

It is vital to view behaviours like stimming and sensory seeking not as problems to be eliminated, but as potentially vital self-regulation strategies. Forcing a neurodivergent person to suppress behaviours that might be naturally releasing Endorphins and providing comfort can be detrimental to their well-being.

Understanding the potential unique interplay of Endorphins in neurodivergent experiences encourages us to:

• Validate Self-Regulation: Recognise that stimming and specific sensory engagements are often meaningful tools for managing stress, anxiety, and sensory input.

• Support Personalised Approaches: Help neurodivergent individuals identify physical activities and sensory experiences that feel good to them and support their unique regulatory needs, rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions.

• Appreciate Sensory Diversity: Understand that the pursuit of certain sensory inputs through movement might be a way the brain naturally seeks comfort and regulation, potentially mediated by Endorphins.

In conclusion, Endorphins are powerful internal chemicals of comfort and well-being. While their core function of modulating pain and promoting positive feelings is universal, their expression and the activities that best stimulate them may vary within neurodivergent populations. By appreciating these potential differences – from varied pain perception to the crucial role of stimming – we can better support the physical and emotional comfort of neurodivergent individuals and honour the diverse ways their brains and bodies find peace and pleasure.