Nociception Infographic

Explores how neurodivergent people experience pain signals differently - including pain insensitivity, delayed responses, and the impact on healthcare.

Nociception is the nervous system's process of detecting and signalling pain. Neurodivergent people often experience pain very differently - some have heightened pain sensitivity while others may not register pain signals in the expected way.

Common experiences

• Delayed recognition of pain or injury
• Appearing to tolerate high levels of pain without complaint
• Heightened sensitivity to minor pain or discomfort
• Difficulty describing or localising pain to healthcare professionals

Practical adjustments

Healthcare professionals should not assume a lack of distress means a lack of pain. Alternative communication methods and patience in assessment are essential.

Who is this for?

Employers, educators, healthcare professionals, parents and carers, and anyone supporting neurodivergent people in daily life.