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Thriving with Neurodivergence: How to Support Unique Brains and Bodies Naturally

By Naturopaths Irene McGowan & Leisa Blanch excerpts from their neurodivergence workshop.

 

Neurodivergence isn’t a problem to be fixed—it’s a difference to be understood, supported, and celebrated. From sensory overload to gut health challenges, neurodivergent individuals often walk through life with unique experiences that deserve compassion, care, and tailored support.  Let’s explore how naturopathy can help support these brilliant, complex systems.

 

What Is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence refers to the natural differences in how brains learn, process, and interact with the world. This can affect:

  • Learning
  • Attention
  • Sensory processing
  • Mood and emotional regulation
  • Social interaction
  • Language

It’s not a flaw. It’s a different wiring.

They may process emotions and senses more intensely.

Attention, memory, and motivation often function in nonlinear, creative ways.

Problem-solving might look different—but it’s often incredibly effective.

The Neurodivergent Nervous System

Many neurodivergent individuals have unique nervous systems that respond more intensely to their environment:

  • Sensory sensitivity: Bright lights, loud sounds, scratchy clothes—these can all feel amplified.
  • Low filtering: Everything matters—making focus hard.
  • Quick to stress, slow to recover: The nervous system gets flooded and takes longer to bounce back.
  • This isn’t laziness. Burnout is real—and it stems from overload.

 

Emotional Regulation & Functional Capacity

Those “meltdowns”? They’re not misbehaviour. They’re the nervous system saying “I’m overwhelmed.”

  • Emotional outbursts can reflect stress, sensory input, or hormonal shifts.
  • Functional capacity fluctuates with sleep, food, and stress.
  • Emotional safety and support should come before teaching regulation skills.

 

The Gut-Brain Connection

Our gut and brain are in constant communication.

Gut issues can show up as anxiety, brain fog, or mood swings.

Neurodivergent individuals often experience gut challenges like bloating, constipation, or sensitivities.

Common Triggers:

  • Microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis)
  • Food intolerances or leaky gut
  • Inflammation or past infections

 

Neuroinflammation: When the Brain Sounds the Alarm

When the brain is under stress, it reacts—hard.

  • Symptoms might include:
  • Brain fog
  • Mood swings or shutdowns
  • Sensory overwhelm
  • Fatigue
  • Triggers?
  • Burnout, toxins, infections, gut issues, poor sleep, or nutrient deficiencies.

 

Blood Sugar and Brain Function

Brain fog? Meltdowns? Poor focus? Blood sugar swings can be a huge trigger.

Tips:

  • Eat protein at every meal
  • Avoid long gaps between meals
  • Pair carbs with protein or fat to prevent crashes

 

Key Nutrients for Neurodivergent Support

  • B vitamins – for neurotransmitters and stress resilience
  • Omega-3s – for mood and brain function
  • Magnesium – calming and focus-enhancing
  • Iron – supports mood, cognition, and energy

Functional testing like Organic Acids Tests (OAT), HTMA, and gut microbiome mapping can uncover deeper issues.

 

Hormones & Neurodivergence

Perimenopause often brings a new wave of challenges:

  • Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone affect focus, mood, and sleep
  • Many women discover their neurodivergence during this time
  • Supportive strategies: nutrition, herbal medicine, movement, and nervous system care.

 

Practical Tools for Thriving

For the nervous system:

  • Daily movement (even just 5–10 minutes)
  • Breathwork, humming, or vagus nerve support
  • Nature time
  • Weighted blankets or deep pressure input
  • For regulation & focus:
  • Protein + fat for breakfast
  • Low-stim downtime daily
  • Visual timers or transition routines
  • Sensory needs come first—always

 

Supporting Kids with Sensory & Executive Function Challenges

Stimming is self-regulation. Support it.

Use tools like:

  • Visual schedules or first/then charts
  • Fidget toys or chewies
  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • Quiet zones at home or school
  • Scaffolding, reminders, and asking for help should be normalised

 Resources to Dive Deeper

Podcasts:

  • The Neurodivergent Woman
  • Pop Culture Parenting

Books:

  • The Explosive Child – Dr. Ross Greene
  • The Whole-Brain Child – Siegel & Bryson
  • Divergent Minds – Jenara Nerenberg
  • Beyond Behaviours – Mona Delahooke
  • NeuroTribes – Steve Silberman
  • Divergent Conversations – Katie Koullas & Sam Paior

 

Final Thoughts

Neurodivergence isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a difference.

When we understand the nervous system, support the gut-brain axis, and meet people with compassion, we create the safety needed to thrive—not just survive.

Need individualised support? Irene McGowan is available for consultations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
book appointments https://gisborne-health-essentials.simplecliniconline.com/diary