04/06/2025
Body Doubling and Neurodivergent Kids: A Circle of Security Lens
Body doubling, is the simple act of being physically present while someone else does a task, a form of co-regulation. For those with ADHD or autism, it can be a powerful tool to reduce overwhelm, and offer support when tasks feel too big, boring, or confusing. Body doubling is about presence.
Through the Circle of Security lens, body doubling becomes more than a strategy, it becomes attunement and ‘being with’.
At the top of the Circle, children need support to explore. For neurodivergent kids, this might mean getting dressed, starting homework, or tackling a messy room. Our calm, steady presence can be the secure base they need to try.
At the bottom of the Circle, when things feel too much, they seek comfort and help to regulate. Body doubling here is a way of organising big feelings, our presence says: “I see this is hard. I’m here. We’ll get through it together.”
For my daughter, tidying her room is always a big task. Her brain can get stuck in the overwhelm and can’t break it down…
When I stay close, and offer structure through play, (eg. 30-second sprints, countdowns, games like “Can you pick up 10 things in 20 seconds?”) these act as tiny scaffolds that help her move through.
She doesn’t need me to help her tidy (anymore!). My only role is helping her regulate, so that one day, she’ll be able to do this for herself. We are getting there slowly, by being Bigger, Stronger, Wiser, and Kind. ❤️
The hardest part is some days, she can do it without me… and so I feel myself get frustrated when she reverts back to needing the help… but it’s all part of being attuned to her resilience on any given day, and I do my best to just follow her lead for what she needs without judging…
Love how she is always so proud of herself when she finally gets through it 😊😅
