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Body Doubling: How to Give the Gift of Presence

Writer's picture: Laura WebbLaura Webb

By Laura Webb, Educational Therapist


Neurodivergent Learners Love Company

When I am overwhelmed, the biggest and best gift I can receive is the gift of presence. As a person with ADHD and Dyslexia, in moments of overwhelm and self-doubt, what I truly need is not a long list of advice but rather a comforting presence nearby. For all individuals with ADHD Autism, Dyslexia or other learning challenges, an offering of silent support can make all the difference. 

As allies to neurodivergent learners recognizing the value of simply being present, can create meaningful change. Although you may feel compelled to offer advice, the most powerful form of support often comes from just being there - whether in person or online, this presence gives the learner space to think, lowers stress and nurtures an atmosphere where productivity can flourish. This is called Body Doubling. 


Why does Body Doubling work?

Research from experts at understood.org explains that the presence of another person can significantly boost focus, alleviate anxiety, and make daunting tasks more manageable. This concept is known as social facilitation and it highlights our tendency to perform better in the company of others. Many people call it body doubling. 


For individuals with ADHD constant distractions can feel unending and facing a lengthy to-do list alone can seem daunting. Body doubling offers gentle, external accountability that helps overcome the paralysis that often comes with feeling overwhelmed. This quiet support allows learners to voice their thoughts, clear up confusion, and work through their ideas, often leading them to find solutions independently. 


Creating a space where people feel safe to express their fears, frustrations or confusion allows them to process their emotions and can lead them discovering their own solutions.


A 2019 study conducted by researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and the Lurie Center for Autism of Massachusetts General Hospital for Children found that social facilitation can increase dopamine levels which in turn enhances focus in task completion. This makes body doubling a particularly effective strategy for neurodivergent learners. By simply having someone nearby, whether or not they are actively participating in the task, individuals with ADHD and other learning differences experience greater concentration and reduced feelings of isolation.  This taps into the brain's natural reward system making difficult tasks more manageable.


Supporting someone with learning differences is not about having all the answers, it is about being present, actively listening and introducing strategies like body doubling to help them succeed."

Want to Learn More?

Are you or your little learner struggling to find focus and organization? Are you interested in exploring how body doubling and personalized support can help you thrive?


My Squirrel Club is a supportive women’s group that meets every Monday ONLINE at Noon Central Time/10am Pacific Time/1pm Eastern Time. It is an hour and a half in length. You will get new tips and tricks every week to integrate into your life that will help you thrive, not just survive. There is a work block for you to knock out items on your TO-DO list and you will leave feeling accomplished and ready to start your week!


Click this link to enroll or email me at lauraace.edtherapy@gmail.com to ask questions and try a meeting for FREE!


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