Neurodivergent individuals — those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences — experience migraine at higher rates and in distinctive ways.
Why Neurodivergent People Have Higher Migraine Rates
- Navigating a world designed for neurotypical people creates chronic stress
- Masking neurological differences is psychologically costly and drives migraine
- Sensory processing differences can make migraine triggers more intense
- Social difficulties associated with neurodivergence can increase isolation and migraine
How Migraine Presents Differently in Neurodivergent People
In autistic people, migraine may be expressed through behavioral changes rather than verbal report. In ADHD, migraine may be difficult to distinguish from executive function difficulties.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Migraine Treatment
Effective migraine treatment for neurodivergent people adapts standard approaches to accommodate sensory, communication, and processing differences. Find therapists with specific neurodivergent experience.