Author: Wander and Rest Life
Living with fibromyalgia often means navigating a daily reality of chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog. But for many women, it also comes with a curious pattern: a noticeable number have children who are neurodivergent, particularly diagnosed with autism (ASD) or ADHD. While scientific research hasn’t definitively proven a causal link, growing evidence suggests there may be deeper connections worth exploring.
What the Research Says
To date, there are no large-scale studies specifically examining whether women with fibromyalgia are more likely to have children with autism or ADHD. However, several related studies and findings help paint a more nuanced picture:
1. Women with Fibromyalgia Often Have Undiagnosed ADHD
A number of studies suggest that ADHD is more common among women with fibromyalgia. This is important because ADHD is a highly heritable condition. If a mother has ADHD—whether formally diagnosed or not—her child has a significantly higher risk of also having ADHD or autism.
2. Autoimmune Conditions & Neurodevelopment
Fibromyalgia is often associated with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Studies have shown that maternal autoimmune diseases—like type 1 diabetes or hypothyroidism—are linked to an increased risk of ADHD and ASD in children.
3. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Neurodivergence
Fibromyalgia often overlaps with hypermobility disorders like hEDS. Preliminary observations have noted higher rates of neurodivergent traits among families where hEDS and fibromyalgia coexist. The connective tissue component may influence neurological development in subtle but impactful ways.
4. Maternal Diabetes and Increased Risk
Even though diabetes is not the same as fibromyalgia, they share some inflammatory pathways. A global meta-analysis of 56 million pregnancies found maternal diabetes was associated with a 25% increased risk of autism and a 30% increased risk of ADHD in children.
5. Prenatal Stress and Pain
Chronic pain and stress during pregnancy can influence fetal development. Unmanaged maternal stress has been shown to modestly increase the likelihood of ADHD-like behaviours and
autistic traits in children.
Anecdotal Observations
In online forums and support communities, many women with fibromyalgia report raising children who are autistic, have ADHD, or exhibit sensory sensitivities. While anecdotal, these personal experiences suggest a pattern worthy of more formal research.
What This Means for You
If you’re living with fibromyalgia and raising a neurodivergent child, you’re not alone. While science is still catching up, your lived experience matters. The overlap of chronic illness, neurodivergence, and motherhood is real, and deserves greater attention, compassion, and support.
At Wander and Rest Life, we believe in honouring the unique challenges women face in body, mind, and caregiving. Whether you’re navigating diagnoses, stress, or simply seeking rest, you’re part of a growing community that sees you.
Summary Table
| Mother’s Condition / Risk Factor | Associated Childhood Outcomes (ASD/ADHD) |
|---|---|
| Fibromyalgia (maternal) | No direct studies; but strong links to mother’s history of ADHD |
| Maternal ADHD (diagnosed) | Increased risk of offspring having ADHD, and higher risk of ASD |
| Maternal autoimmune/inflammatory illness | Elevated odds of ADHD in offspring |
| Maternal diabetes during pregnancy | ~25% ↑ ASD, ~30% ↑ ADHD; ~39% ↑ if pre-existing diabetes |
| Prenatal stress (e.g. pain, life events) | Modest increases in both ADHD behaviours and autistic traits in offspring |
What We Know & What’s Still Unknown
-
There is no definitive research establishing a causal link between maternal fibromyalgia and children’s autism or ADHD.
-
But fibromyalgia tends to co-occur with conditions (e.g., ADHD, autoimmune disorders, hypermobility syndromes) that are independently associated with increased neurodevelopmental risks in offspring.
-
Genetics, immune function, and stress levels are all plausible connecting mechanisms—though more direct, well‑designed research is needed.
ℹ️ Takeaways & Suggested Steps
-
Know your own health background: If you have ADHD, autoimmune conditions, or diabetes along with fibromyalgia, those factors have stronger evidence linking them to child neurodevelopmental risk.
-
Talk to your healthcare provider: Especially if planning pregnancy or during pregnancy—managing blood sugar, treating inflammation or autoimmune flare‑ups, and reducing prenatal stress may be beneficial.
-
Consider comprehensive screening: For maternal neurodivergence (ADHD/autism) and for symptoms like joint hypermobility or immune sensitivities—especially if planning another pregnancy.
-
Stay aware: Many research groups are now studying overlaps between fibromyalgia, hypermobility, immune function and neurodivergence—including how they might influence child development.
Source List
-
ADHD and Fibromyalgia in Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20620028/ -
Maternal ADHD and Risk in Offspring
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4211282/ -
Autoimmune Disease and ADHD in Offspring
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26809250/ -
Maternal Immune Disorders and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7816116/ -
Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility and Neurodivergence (Touch Immunology)
https://www.touchimmunology.com/fibromyalgia/journal-articles/the-links-between-fibromyalgia-hypermobility-and-neurodivergence/ -
Reuters – Maternal Diabetes and Neurodevelopmental Risk
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/study-strengthens-link-between-maternal-diabetes-autism-2025-04-07/ -
Prenatal Stress and Neurodevelopmental Risk
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21833278/ -
Fibromyalgia in Pregnancy – Verywell Family
https://www.verywellfamily.com/fibromyalgia-in-pregnancy-how-to-manage-stress-and-pain-7369813 -
Reddit Discussion – Fibromyalgia and Neurodivergent Kids
https://www.reddit.com/r/Fibromyalgia/comments/1guo2m8/ -
Stimpunks – Chronic Constellation Glossary
https://stimpunks.org/glossary/chronic-constellation/