Neurodiversity and the mind/body system

The growing awareness of neurodiversity has also led to a heightened awareness of self-regulation, and of the impacts of different sensory and attention systems on mind, body and emotions.  The Alexander Technique can offer a gentle and practical way of relating to the body - and to whatever we notice - in constructive, curious and compassionate ways.  Neurodiversity can present in myriad ways, and is experienced somewhat differently by each person.  Here are some the ways that people have found the Alexander Technique helpful.  

self-regulation

Sometimes thought of as a skill learned in early childhood, we now understand that self-regulation is actually something we practice - and can potentially develop greater skill with - throughout the life span.  The Alexander Technique offers a framework for being more aware of our own mental, physical and emotional state, and for bringing about helpful shifts when we notice dysregulation.

the attention system

Autistic people, as well as people with ADHD and other neurodiverse profiles, often find it challenging to maintain awareness of their bodies in ongoing and constructive ways.   At the same time, they often experience their bodies and emotions with heightened intensity - which can feel overwhelming and disorienting.  The Alexander Technique offers simple, practical and gentle ways of cultivating more baseline awareness of the body, greater capacity to direct attention - and may in some cases facilitate increased capacity for interoception.  

the sensory system

Neurodiverse people often have different sensory needs, as well as intensified sensory sensitivity.  The Alexander Technique can sometimes be a helpful tool in creating a bigger context for intense sensory experiences, which can help them feel less overwhelming and dysregulating.