Neurodivergent Insights with Dr. Megan Anna Neff Mindfulness on the Go: Why Stillness Backfires for Neurodivergent Minds
Jan 30, 2026
Dr. Megan Anna Neff, an Autistic-ADHD clinical psychologist and author, offers neurodivergent-affirming takes on mindfulness. She explains why stillness can trigger hypoarousal for ADHD and how fidgeting can be regulation. The conversation spotlights active mindfulness: movement, music, walking, tactile tools, and simple language to create distance from thoughts.
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Arousal Dysregulation Explains ADHD Restlessness
- ADHD often involves arousal dysregulation where resting states trend toward hypoarousal rather than consistent hyperarousal.
- Hypoarousal can trigger compensatory hyperactive behaviors like fidgeting as the body seeks to raise alertness.
Use Active Mindfulness To Stay Present
- Try active, stimulating mindfulness like movement, music, or tactile activities instead of sitting still.
- Use repetitive music or small movements to increase alertness so mindfulness keeps you present.
Writing A Book On The Basketball Court
- Megan wrote parts of an academic book while shooting hoops and listening to repetitive music to reach her best thinking.
- Repetitive movement plus music helped her find flow and stimulated reflective work.