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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Hypermobility
DEFINITION
Hypermobility refers to joints that move beyond the typical range of motion. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are chronic connective tissue conditions significantly over-represented in the autistic population.
WHY IT MATTERS
The autism-hypermobility connection is an area of growing research. Hypermobility affects pain, fatigue, proprioception, and quality of life. It is frequently undiagnosed in autistic people whose communication differences make pain reporting difficult.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Being able to do splits or bend fingers back is not just a party trick in the context of hypermobility disorders. Chronic pain, fatigue, and joint instability are real and often disabling consequences.