Neurodivergence and the Power of Social Facilitation
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
When I'm going through a rough patch, the best gift I can receive is the gift of presence. In moments of overwhelm, what a struggling learner truly needs isn’t a long list of advice or solutions, but rather a comforting presence nearby. For individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive challenges, simply having someone sit with them, offering silent support, can make a world of difference.
As supporters of neurodivergent learners, embracing the power of presence is a profound way to create positive change. While our instinct may be to offer advice, the most effective support often comes from simply being there—either in person or virtually. Showing up allows the learner to process their thoughts, reduce stress, and foster an environment where productivity can thrive.
Finding Focus: How Body Doubling Helped Jake Thrive
When Jake first approached me, he was struggling under the weight of schoolwork due to ADHD. Overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, he felt stuck. Alongside offering practical study tips, I introduced him to the concept of body doubling—working alongside another person to enhance focus.
Initially skeptical, Jake decided to give it a try with his friend Olivia. Within a few sessions, he recognized how helpful it was to have someone present, even if Olivia wasn’t directly involved in his tasks. We worked together to build this technique into his routine, setting up consistent study sessions and joining a virtual group where he could quietly work with peers.
With time, Jake expanded body doubling beyond academics. He used it for everyday tasks and chores, creating structure and accountability. By tracking his progress and celebrating small victories, Jake gained a sense of organization and control over his life. His academic performance improved, but more importantly, he learned how to manage his time and energy effectively.
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, known as social facilitation, highlights our tendency to perform better in the company of others.
For individuals with ADHD, distractions can feel relentless, and the idea of tackling a long to-do list alone can be overwhelming. Body doubling provides gentle, external accountability, helping to break the paralysis that often accompanies feelings of overwhelm. It offers silent support, allowing learners to verbalize thoughts, clarify confusion, and untangle their ideas, often leading to solutions on their own.
A 2019 study conducted by researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and the Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children found that social facilitation can increase dopamine levels, which in turn enhances focus and 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 supportive presence taps into the brain's natural reward system, making difficult tasks feel more manageable.
The Power of Silent Support
It’s tempting to jump in with solutions when someone we care about is struggling, but often, what they need most is a compassionate ear. Creating a space where learners feel safe to express their fears, frustrations, or confusion—without interruptions or unsolicited advice—allows them to process their emotions. This emotional processing is critical, as it can lead to discovering their own solutions, guided by the quiet support of another.
For those of us working with neurodivergent learners, offering empathy and fostering an environment where they feel valued, not judged, is essential. Supporting someone with learning differences isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being present, listening actively, and introducing strategies like body doubling to help them succeed.
Want to learn more? Schedule a Complimentary Session
Is your learner struggling to find focus and organization? Are they interested in exploring how body doubling and personalized support can help them thrive? I invite you to schedule a complimentary information session today. Together, we can discuss their unique needs and find strategies that will help them succeed—academically and beyond.
As an executive function coach and academic tutor, I specialize in helping individuals with learning differences exceed their goals in academics, organization, college transition, and career success. Let’s work together to help your learner reach their full potential.
As supporters of neurodivergent learners, embracing the power of presence is a profound way to create positive change. While our instinct may be to offer advice, the most effective support often comes from simply being there—either in person or virtually. Showing up allows the learner to process their thoughts, reduce stress, and foster an environment where productivity can thrive.
Finding Focus: How Body Doubling Helped Jake Thrive
When Jake first approached me, he was struggling under the weight of schoolwork due to ADHD. Overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, he felt stuck. Alongside offering practical study tips, I introduced him to the concept of body doubling—working alongside another person to enhance focus.
Initially skeptical, Jake decided to give it a try with his friend Olivia. Within a few sessions, he recognized how helpful it was to have someone present, even if Olivia wasn’t directly involved in his tasks. We worked together to build this technique into his routine, setting up consistent study sessions and joining a virtual group where he could quietly work with peers.
With time, Jake expanded body doubling beyond academics. He used it for everyday tasks and chores, creating structure and accountability. By tracking his progress and celebrating small victories, Jake gained a sense of organization and control over his life. His academic performance improved, but more importantly, he learned how to manage his time and energy effectively.
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, known as social facilitation, highlights our tendency to perform better in the company of others.
For individuals with ADHD, distractions can feel relentless, and the idea of tackling a long to-do list alone can be overwhelming. Body doubling provides gentle, external accountability, helping to break the paralysis that often accompanies feelings of overwhelm. It offers silent support, allowing learners to verbalize thoughts, clarify confusion, and untangle their ideas, often leading to solutions on their own.
A 2019 study conducted by researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and the Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children found that social facilitation can increase dopamine levels, which in turn enhances focus and 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 supportive presence taps into the brain's natural reward system, making difficult tasks feel more manageable.
The Power of Silent Support
It’s tempting to jump in with solutions when someone we care about is struggling, but often, what they need most is a compassionate ear. Creating a space where learners feel safe to express their fears, frustrations, or confusion—without interruptions or unsolicited advice—allows them to process their emotions. This emotional processing is critical, as it can lead to discovering their own solutions, guided by the quiet support of another.
For those of us working with neurodivergent learners, offering empathy and fostering an environment where they feel valued, not judged, is essential. Supporting someone with learning differences isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being present, listening actively, and introducing strategies like body doubling to help them succeed.
Want to learn more? Schedule a Complimentary Session
Is your learner struggling to find focus and organization? Are they interested in exploring how body doubling and personalized support can help them thrive? I invite you to schedule a complimentary information session today. Together, we can discuss their unique needs and find strategies that will help them succeed—academically and beyond.
As an executive function coach and academic tutor, I specialize in helping individuals with learning differences exceed their goals in academics, organization, college transition, and career success. Let’s work together to help your learner reach their full potential.
