Why does my entire body physically ache from masking my neurodivergence all day?
1. Introduction The physical body aches resulting from masking neurodivergent traits stem from chronic, subconscious isometric muscle tension and sustained autonomic nervous system arousal. Constantly monitoring and altering one’s natural behavior to conform to neurotypical expectations forces the body to remain in a mild but continuous state of fight-or-flight. This prolonged stress response floods the … Read more