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220 Provision of healthcare and management of chronic pain in children with neurodivergence

jnnp · 2025-11-26 · canonical JSON source

15 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Background and Methods Neurodivergence includes autism, ADHD, ADD, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. 1 Neurodivergence is associated with co-occurring conditions, including pain and hypermobility.2 This audit reviewed 648 patients aged 0-18 referred to the GGC Paediatric Chronic Pain Clinic from 2013-2024 to compare chronic pain outcomes between neurodivergent and neurotypical children.Results 21% (n = 137) were neurodivergent. Neurodivergent children had more musculoskeletal and primary chronic pain (45%) compared to neurotypical patients. They also had higher rates of hypermobility (34% vs. 11%) and a greater family history of chronic pain (12% vs. 1%).Neurodivergent patients experienced a longer referral delay and required more referrals to psychiatry, psychology, neurology and physiotherapy. They were more likely to receive treatment with TENS machines, anticonvulsants, psychological therapy and melatonin.Discharge rates were lower for neurodivergent patients (44% vs 61%). The most common reason for discharge for was pain improvement in neurotypical patients, and non-engagement with service (due to unmanageable appointment load, distrust of healthcare, and lack of symptom improvement) in neurodiverse patients.Conclusion There are disparities in provision of healthcare for neurodivergent youths, and a strong link between chronic pain, neurodivergence and hypermobility. This highlights the need to raise awareness of central sensitivity in children with neurodiversity and the need for a lower threshold for considering specialised pain management.Recommendations include early biopsychosocial assessment, tailored treatment, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, increased funding, multidisciplinary pain management.ginevrabubani@gmail.com