Recurrent pain is more common and more impactful in Australian neurodivergent young adults compared with neurotypical...

Neurodivergent adolescents, including those with Autism and ADHD, are more likely to experience chronic or recurrent pain than neurotypical peers. Evidence of whether this association persists into young adulthood and its impact on functioning is limited. This is a critical gap for neurodivergent young adults, as young adulthood is already a vulnerable period of transition. National prevalence data are needed for effective recognition and service reform. This paper analysed cross-sectional data from 4961 young adults (18-21 years) in two waves of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Neurodivergence was defined by self-reported autism and/or ADHD. Outcomes included self-reported recurrent pain, pain type and severity, emotional distress, physical comorbidities, and educational/vocational outcomes. Descriptive statistics are reported, including prevalence and group differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical young adults. Recurrent pain was reported by 38% (95% CI 34.0-42.2%) of neurodivergent young adults, compared to 27% (95% CI 34.0-42.2%) of neurotypical young adults. Neurodivergent young adults with pain missed more school or workdays (mean =19.6±51.9/year) than neurodivergent young adults without pain (mean =14.1±59.4/year) or neurotypical peers with pain (mean = 6.9±24.0/year). Neurodivergent young adults reported higher emotional distress, more physical comorbidities, and greater educational and vocational disruption, including lower rates of Year 12 completion and current study. The higher levels of emotional, physical and educational impact reported by neurodivergent young adults show a compounding effect of neurodivergence and recurrent pain. PERSPECTIVE: This study examined recurrent pain and functional impacts in neurodivergent Australian young adults. Findings suggest recurrent pain in this population is more prevalent and associated with substantial emotional, physical and educational burden. This suggests a compounding effect of neurodivergence and pain, highlighting the need for improved recognition and tailored support.